Mr Brightside goes back-to-back in Futurity Stakes

Mr Brightside once again proved his fighting spirit, holding off multiple challengers to claim victory in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

The $1.70 favorite hit the front in the straight under Craig Williams after racing outside the leader, but the race was far from over. I Wish I Win charged on the outside, while Tom Kitten surged between them, making for a thrilling finish.

Despite the fierce competition, Mr Brightside refused to be denied, winning by a half-head over Tom Kitten ($9.50), with I Wish I Win ($7.50) just a head further back in third. Evaporate, the only three-year-old in the race, finished a respectable fourth.

Trainer Ben Hayes, who runs Lindsay Park alongside his brothers JD and Will, admitted the nail-biting finish was nerve-wracking.

“To see him win like that—it’s tough on the heart, but we couldn’t be prouder,” Hayes said.

“He’s the most important horse we’ve ever trained, and to keep delivering on the big stage like this is incredible.”

Mr Brightside’s ninth Group 1 victory sees him surpass the legendary Better Loosen Up, a milestone that deeply resonates with the Hayes family.

“We grew up with Better Loosen Up as a legend in our household,” Will Hayes said.

“To now have a horse that has arguably gone past him—it’s hard to put into words.

“He’s the best horse we’ve trained, and to achieve this so early in our careers is something we’ll cherish forever.”

Craig Williams, who has partnered Mr Brightside in nearly all of his 42 starts, was never concerned about the horse’s ability to bounce back from his first-up defeat in the Group 1 C F Orr Stakes.

“This horse does all the work—I just get to steer him,” Williams said.

“The Hayes team does an amazing job, and I have full faith in him every time I ride.

“He’s so versatile and gives me so many options in a race.”

Next on the agenda is a return to the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m), a race he won in 2023, before an international assignment in Hong Kong for the Group 1 Champions Mile on April 27.