Lindsay Park stars gearing up for return

Lindsay Park’s top galloper Mr Brightside is back in training and progressing nicely as he prepares for a return in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 30.

The champion gelding is already back into a solid rhythm, and Ben Hayes reports that the eight-year-old is in excellent shape for this time of year following a lighter-than-usual spell.

Last year, Mr Brightside ran second in the Memsie before turning the tables with victory in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) two weeks later at Flemington.

After concluding his last prep with an unplaced run in Hong Kong’s Champions Mile, he spelled at Spotswood quarantine and returned home in good order.

“He had his first gallop last Monday and did it well,” Hayes said.

“Compared to other years, he’s got a really good coat for this time of year and looks really healthy and is possibly a bit more forward at the same time as he’s been previously.

“His regular rider Ross commented on it and us three boys all agree.

“His action is good, and he seems a happy horse.”

Mr Brightside is scheduled to jump out at Flemington on August 4, followed by a second hit-out in preparation for his return to the races in the Memsie.

“He’s a horse that generally doesn’t have a big spell,” Hayes said.

“We were able to give him one last year and he probably peaked first-up and got beaten, but then he came out and won.

“I think he’s very forward. He’s only turning eight and we’re delighted to have him around.”

Meanwhile, fellow Group 1 winner War Machine is also making strides as he eyes a first-up run in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at The Valley on September 27.

The powerful sprinter, who impressed in the Stradbroke Handicap, is also being considered for a spot in the $20 million The Everest (1200m).

“He’s arrived safe and sound and is back in work,” Hayes said.

“We’re probably looking at running in the Manikato first-up. Going into that fresh and then hopefully The Everest, if he gets invited.

“The Manikato is two weeks before The Everest, so it will fit well, then there is the $3 million race two weeks after that in Sydney and then we can come back down here for the C F Orr Stakes.”

This year’s C F Orr Stakes has been shifted to November, giving stables more flexibility in programming.

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