Mr Brightside eyes historic fourth Makybe Diva Stakes win

Champion galloper Mr Brightside, a star from the Lindsay Park stable, is poised to continue his perfect streak in a prominent Group 1 race at Flemington.

The Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), scheduled for Flemington on Saturday, has been a happy hunting ground for Mr Brightside over the past three years, with the gelding winning on each appearance.

His initial victory saw him defeat Alligator Blood, followed by a win over Pride Of Jenni in 2024, and last year he finished ahead of Aeliana.

Via Sistina, who went on to win the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley the following month, chased Mr Brightside home in his last two successful Makybe Diva Stakes runs.

Favourable conditions, including smaller fields, have played a part in Mr Brightside's success in his three Makybe Diva Stakes triumphs, allowing the now nine-year-old to dictate the tempo.

Last year, he dictated terms at a leisurely pace, recording 1:38.75 for the 1600m and unleashing a sharp 32.66 seconds for the final 600m.

This year's edition boasts a larger field with 13 runners, but Mr Brightside has drawn favourably in barrier two. With regular jockey Craig Williams aboard Sir Delius, Blake Shinn has been booked for the ride.

Mr Brightside's remarkable longevity is highlighted by his 20 wins from 49 starts, accumulating more than $19 million in prize money.

The gelding has largely enjoyed a sound career, though a minor bone chip in a fetlock required a spell earlier this year.

This time off allowed Mr Brightside a longer than usual break and a solid foundation for his return to racing.

J D Hayes, who trains the gelding in partnership with his brothers Ben and Will, described Mr Brightside as a 'freak' after his first-up second to Beiwacht in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 29.

"He's never let us down," Hayes commented.

"He's a freak and nothing surprises you when it comes to him.

"He was there at the top of the straight, he was vulnerable to the opposition, but he fought like a tiger and held on for second.

"The way it was looking he was going to run fourth, or fifth, we felt, but he dug deep and showed he is a true champion, but the winner was too good."

Hayes noted that Mr Brightside has made significant progress since his Memsie Stakes run, as it marked his initial outing for the season.

"He's improved, physically, as you would expect out of it after a long time off," Hayes said.

"He's tightened up beautifully and the Flemington mile, plus if there was any rain, it would be great."

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