In a tweak to Mr Brightside’s (NZ) (Bullbars) usual spring program, the star galloper won’t chase a third straight win in the P.B. Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
Co-trainer Ben Hayes said the rising seven-year-old gelding had returned to work after putting on 41 kilograms while he was spelled, and would step up to even time in his work next week.
“We’ll miss the Lawrence Stakes this year. We just wanted to give him some more time,” Hayes said.
“He’s carrying some nice condition, but that’s a good position to be in at this time. He’ll be starting evens next week. We are really happy with him; he’s put on some good weight, can’t fault him. He’s a happy horse and he’s working in great fashion.”
Hayes said the winner of over $13 million would return to racing in the Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on September 7 an event he won second-up last year.
Hayes said that other than the Memsie Stakes run and the Cox Plate, nothing else had been slotted in for the Lindsay Park stable star.
Mr Brightside completed his autumn campaign with a third placing in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick behind the tearaway mare Pride Of Jenni.
