Lindsay Park out for Brightside redemption in the Australian Cup
Lindsay Park trainers Ben, Will and J D Hayes cannot ask much more of Mr Brightside.
The gelding is the winner of 16 races and almost $13 million in prize money and has put the Lindsay Park stable and their own names out in the racing world as trainers of Group 1 winners.
But Ben Hayes said there was one glaring omission from Mr Brightside’s CV of six Group 1 wins, a Group 1 victory at 2000 metres.
Hayes hopes that will be rectified on Saturday in the Australian Cup at Flemington.
Mr Brightside was denied a win in the Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley last spring, a defeat that still grates Hayes.
“He’s probably a Cox Plate winner if that race was 2000, instead of 2040 metres,” Hayes said.
“So, if we could tick off a Group 1 at 2000 metres, I would be very happy.”
Hayes said Mr Brightside had recovered well from his second-place finish to Pride Of Jenni in the All-Star Mile (1600m) at Caulfield on March 16.
The gelding staged a big performance that day, coming from back in the field to run the Ciaron Maher-trained mare to two lengths.
Craig Williams was criticised in some circles for his ride, but the jockey retains the ride in the Australian Cup as they bid to square the ledger with Pride Of Jenni.
The mare holds a two-one advantage over Mr Brightside after scoring in the Champions Mile (1600m) at Flemington last spring while Mr Brightside took the honours in the Group 1 Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last month.
Mr Brightside returned to Lindsay Park’s property at Euroa after his All-Star Mile defeat and is in perfect health.
“With the ride Craig gave him, he’s come through it fantastic,” Hayes said.
“You could not be happier with how he came through the race going towards the Australian Cup.
“It was the perfect run.
“We took him back to the farm. He loves going out into the paddock, especially at this time of year.
“He’s ready to run well.”
More Racing News
Mr consistency heads to the 2026 Ballarat Cup
Ocean Beyond might not always warm the hearts of punters, but he remains an exceptionally consistent earner for his connections. The Simon Ryan-trained gelding will attempt to secure his biggest payday yet when he contests the $500,000 Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) on Saturday, entering the race with more than $535,000 already...
Bar raised for in-form colt Swift Legend
Swift Legend has earned his opportunity in stronger company after back-to-back midweek victories, but jockey Jason Collett remains cautious as the colt continues to mature. The Dundeel youngster lines up in Sunday’s Vinnie @ Yarraman Park Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill, stepping out from recent wins at Warwick Farm and Canterbury. Collett says...
Inhabit out to book a 2026 Magic Millions Classic trip
Unbeaten filly Inhabit will be racing for a Magic Millions berth when she steps out again on Saturday. A stylish debut winner at Murray Bridge in October, she now lines up in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Two-Year-Old Plate (1000m) at Morphettville Parks. Her assignment has been simplified with three scratchings, leaving...
Tommy Berry to test the summer carnival waters in 2025 George Moore Stakes
Tommy Berry will be a key figure in Brisbane this weekend as he reunites with Caballus, while also unveiling a valuable Magic Millions hopeful. Berry’s association with Caballus includes a Flemington stakes win two starts ago, prior to the sprinter backing up into the Champions Sprint, where he was unplaced behind...
Rob and Annabel Archibald hoping to return north with West Of Africa
Despite Sydney lacking a feature race this weekend, Sunday’s Rosehill program will be pivotal for Rob and Annabel Archibald as they shape their Magic Millions carnival team. The Archibalds will run West Of Africa and Mickey’s Medal in the TAB Handicap (1400m), with both aiming to justify a January trip to...
Michael Dee makes Ascot return for Apulia in 2025 Northerly Stakes
Group 1-winning jockey Michael Dee is set to make a rare Perth appearance as he chases more elite-level success aboard Apulia. Dee will ride the Lindsay Park-trained entire in the Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot, marking his first visit to the track since November 2018. The Victorian lightweight has a strong record...
SA raider Promises Kept chases 2025 Ballarat Cup
Trainer Michael Hickmott is confident that new stable acquisition Promises Kept can give his owners plenty to look forward to over the next fortnight. The gelding heads east for Saturday’s Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) and may then target the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) seven days later. Previously trained by Greg Eurell and...
Son of ill-fated stallion St Jean scores impressive debut win
Melek, a staying-bred son of St Jean, made the perfect start to his racing career with a determined win over the mile at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday. The Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old debuted in the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1600m) and made an immediate impact. Starting at $4.20 after firming late, Melek charged...
Slick return has Lubrication ready to rumble in 2025 George Moore Stakes
Lubrication has put his hand up for a strong summer campaign after a powerhouse first-up performance that sends him into the Group Three George Moore Stakes at Doomben full of confidence. The gelding enjoyed a breakout moment in May when winning the $1 million The Archer (1300m) at Rockhampton, defeating future...
Air has second Assault on the 2025 Ballarat Cup
A mature and more composed Air Assault will attempt to push his prizemoney beyond $1 million when he lines up in Saturday’s Ballarat Cup. Trainer Andrew Gluyas says the gelding has finally pieced it all together after years of racing keenly, noting the now nine-time winner has developed into a tractable,...