Mr Brightside after another Caulfield feature
The Lindsay Park operation of Ben,Will and JD Hayes are sticking to their plans with Mr Brightside in their chase of a second All Star Mile victory.
Mr Brightside heads to the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, looking to maintain a perfect record over that trip at that track.
Saturday’s race will complete Mr Brightside’s program for the defence of his All-Star Mile title that he won at Moonee Valley last year.
The All-Star Mile will be run at Caulfield on March 16 this year.
Mr Brightside returned with a fighting effort to nail Pride Of Jenni first-up on the line in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes on February 10.
The gelding’s first two 1400m races at Caulfield resulted in success in the Group 2 P B Lawrence Stakes last August followed by victory in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes two weeks later.
The only time Mr Brightside has tasted defeat at Caulfield was his first attempt at 2000m when he finished fourth to Anamoe in the Group 1 Might And Power in the spring of 2022.
Ben Hayes said Mr Brightside felt his first-up run when landing the prize in the C F Orr but has appreciated getting out in a day paddock at the stable’s Euroa property between runs.
“He’s came through the race no problems,” Hayes said.
“He was in the paddock later in the week, rearing up and running around like a lunatic like he does, and we like to see it.
“He’s spot on to head towards the Futurity.”
Hayes said Mr Brightside had an incredible will to win which was evident in his first-up victory.
He said there was a moment during the C F Orr where he doubted whether Mr Brightside would be able to pick up Pride Of Jenni.
“That was an incredible win,” Hayes said.
“At the 500 (metres), you are thinking ‘Jenni’s got us again’ but he really dug deep and hit the line and when you go back and watch the replays, he won quite soft on the line.
“The best part is he looks to have come through it well.”
Mr Brightside is opposed to seven rivals on Saturday, including Buffalo River who finished third behind the gelding in the C F Orr.
The Lindsay Park galloper opened the $1.50 favourite in betting after drawing barrier five on Saturday.
More Racing News
Harry Charlton optimistic about Wine Dark Sea's Caulfield Cup chances
Upon his arrival in Australia, UK trainer Harry Charlton immediately made his way to Werribee to assess his Caulfield Cup contender, Wine Dark Sea.This marks Charlton's first venture training a horse in Australia, although he has drawn on the expertise of his brother Tom, a co-trainer with John O'Shea in...
Concord Connie set for Caulfield challenge
Following a string of three successive wins during her late autumn campaign, trainer Charlotte Littlefield admitted to experiencing significant pressure as Concord Connie made her spring racing return at Mornington.The mare, who was heavily backed at $1.30, was narrowly beaten over 1200m on September 26.Despite the close call, Littlefield maintained...
Russian Rock ready for Caulfield challenge
Michael Trotter, the trainer from Cranbourne, was abroad when he received a telephone call from acclaimed jockey Craig Williams.This call came not long after Trotter's three-year-old colt, Russian Rock, had competed in the Stutt Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield on September 27.Following Adam McCabe's suspension for causing interference during that particular...
Bedggood's Caulfield Cup debut with Kingswood
Trainer Gavin Bedggood is on the cusp of a significant career moment with his first runner in a 'major' race at Caulfield.While he boasts Group 1 victories and placings to his name, Kingswood's upcoming run in the Caulfield Cup (2400m) this Saturday will be his first in this elite tier.The...
Apocalyptic's form under scrutiny as Berry aims for Silver Eagle success
Jockey Tommy Berry concedes that Apocalyptic has not yet fulfilled her early potential, but he remains steadfast in his belief in the Group 1 victor.During her spring three-year-old campaign, she was almost invincible, clinching the Furious Stakes, Tea Rose Stakes, and Flight Stakes before a narrow defeat to Ole Dancer...
Schofield's partnership with Tempted and Ceolwulf set for Everest day
Chad Schofield might attribute his initial opportunities aboard star gallopers Tempted and Ceolwulf to luck and timing, but it is his skill and execution that have kept him in the saddle.Schofield has forged an impressive association with both horses, which will continue on the most significant day of the Sydney...
Organised Crime aims to conquer Blue Sapphire
Cranbourne-based trainer Lloyd Kennewell is anticipating a highly competitive Group 1 sprint for three-year-olds at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week, labelling it the race of the spring.Kennewell is preparing two strong colts, Organised Crime and Mbube, for the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) set to take place on October 31.The former,...
Beadman benefits from return to Randwick
A homecoming to Randwick is expected to suit Beadman much better, after the promising sprinter fell victim to the Caulfield curse during a quick trip to Melbourne.The tricky Caulfield track has tripped up many a Sydney-trained galloper, and the four-year-old was one of them, getting too far back from a...
Caulfield Cup presents weighty challenge for Half Yours
Tony and Calvin McEvoy, the father-and-son training duo, are fully cognizant of the significant task that lies before them as Half Yours aims for a consecutive Caulfield Cup triumph.Having previously won the Cup with one of the lowest weights, Half Yours will now carry the burden of topweight in the...
St Leger Stakes runners still in Melbourne Cup calculations
Klondike, a former European import, has not followed a conventional Australian preparation for a staying event, but his trainers maintain confidence in his fitness and stamina.The gelding will contest Saturday's St Leger Stakes (2600m) in only his second start in 16 months, having been sidelined by a tendon injury subsequent...