Mr Brightside back but Hong Kong beckons
Mr Brightside has had his first public workout of 2025, with Lindsay Park outlining the initial three races of his autumn campaign before deciding on potential international travel.
The seven-year-old gelding shows no signs of slowing down and is set to kick off his campaign in the Group 1 C F Orr Stakes (1400m) on February 8. He will then progress to the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) and the Group 1 All Star Mile (1600m), all races he has previously claimed victory in.
Trainer Ben Hayes, who works in partnership with his brothers JD and Will, indicated that Mr Brightside has little left to prove in Australia. The Group 1 Hong Kong Champions Mile (1600m) on April 27 is firmly in their sights.
“He’s got three definite runs here, and then we might consider heading to Sydney for the George Ryder, which could lead into Hong Kong, or we stick with the three runs here and go straight to Hong Kong,” Hayes explained.
“I think it’s the right time. He’s achieved everything he can in Australia and doesn’t have much left to prove.”
Last Friday, Mr Brightside had an 800m jump-out at Werribee, finishing third under apprentice Jaylah Kennedy without being pushed. Hayes described it as the ideal start to his preparation.
“He was fantastic. For a first jump-out, it was very good. Jaylah Kennedy gave him a perfect ride, bringing him to the middle of the track, and his work through the line was excellent. It’s exactly what we wanted, so we’re thrilled with his progress,” Hayes said.
“He looks amazing. He’ll have another jump-out at Geelong before going first-up into the Orr. Compared to his previous preparations, this might be the best first jump-out he’s had.”
Hayes also confirmed that Mr Brightside had already received vaccinations for his potential trip to Hong Kong and had shown no negative reactions.
“I prefer to do the vaccinations during a spell. Every horse reacts differently—some not at all—and so far, it seems he hasn’t been affected,” Hayes noted.
“With his eight Group 1 wins and plenty of high-class victories, I think this is the perfect time of year to take him to Hong Kong.”
More Racing News
War Machine to target the 2026 Australia Stakes
Top-class sprinter War Machine will resume in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Pakenham on Friday night as connections eye a strong autumn campaign. The race, traditionally held at Moonee Valley, has been moved due to redevelopment works and shapes as an ideal launchpad for the Lindsay Park galloper. War Machine...
2026 Golden Slipper Stakes favourite Incognito nearing return to the races
The absence of Incognito from the Magic Millions 2YO Classic did little to dent his standing in Golden Slipper markets, with the colt edging closer to a raceday return. Michael Freedman elected to sidestep the Gold Coast feature with the $1 million purchase, instead opting for a controlled trial as the...
Antino to target 2026 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in the Autumn
A strong trial session at Deagon on Tuesday will be highlighted by the return of Antino as Tony Gollan begins plotting another autumn campaign for the talented gelding. Antino has not raced since his disappointing effort in the Group 1 Cox Plate, where he finished last after failing to fire on...
Torque To Be Sure breaks maiden in 2026 Magic Millions Guineas, survives protest
Torque To Be Sure finally lived up to his promise with a breakthrough victory in the $3 million Magic Millions 3yo Guineas, though his success came with a nervous wait in the stewards’ room. The Matthew Dunn-trained gelding drifted under pressure in the closing stages, bumping race favourite Ninja as the...
Mile no issue for Merrigold in 2026 Vobis Gold Distaff
Trainer John Sadler admitted a touch of stubbornness delayed Merrigold’s step up to 1600 metres, but the mare made him look wise with a dominant Flemington victory. The five-year-old was having her first start beyond 1400 metres and handled the rise in distance with ease when taking out the Vobis Gold...
Unit Five powers home in the 2026 Magic Millions Classic
Unit Five announced himself as a rising star with a powerful victory in the $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic, overcoming far more seasoned rivals despite limited race experience. The Ciaron Maher-trained colt, ridden confidently by Thomas Stockdale, held off Tornado Valley by a length, with By Choice finishing just behind...
Big Sky surges into 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes calculations
Big Sky’s dominant debut at Flemington has propelled him straight into calculations for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), giving Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr the top two runners in early betting. The Bivouac colt overcame a wide draw in the TAB We’re On (1000m), travelling strongly under Jordan...
Future History too strong in the 2026 January Cup
Future History showed his class and toughness when landing the $200,000 Listed January Cup at Rosehill, giving Ciaron Maher another feature race success. The eight-year-old almost didn’t take his place in the race after heavy rain downgraded the track, but connections elected to press on despite concerns about the conditions. Ridden positively...
Golden Slipper Stakes 2026 plans for Godolphin’s Outspan
The Godolphin-trained Outspan has thrust himself into Golden Slipper calculations after a commanding win at Rosehill on Saturday. After settling just behind the speed in the 1100m contest, the Michael Freedman-trained colt finished strongly to defeat Long Throw ($15) by 1-1/2 lengths, with Miss Chanel ($4.60) another half-length back. The performance marked...
Tony Gollan’s two-year-old Itching To Go in 2026 Magic Millions Classic
Tony Gollan is leaning on a proven strategy as Itchintogo lines up on a seven-day backup in the Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) this Saturday. The approach has delivered strong results historically, with six winners of the $3 million race following the same path over the past 15 years. Purchased for $60,000...