Despite a rare failure in Hong Kong, Ben Hayes is backing Mr Brightside to return to his best in the upcoming Spring Carnival.

The eight-year-old had his first public outing of the campaign in a quiet jumpout at Flemington on Monday, finishing fourth behind stablemate Evaporate.

It was a tune-up for his return in the Memsie Stakes, which he won in 2023 and placed second in last year.

“He’s been his usual self… I’m not worried about him one bit,” Hayes said.

Mr Brightside hasn’t raced since running last in the Group 1 Champions Mile in Hong Kong on April 27.

Prior to that, he placed in 20 of his previous 23 starts, including top finishes in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Cox Plate and Australian Cup.

Hayes pointed to similar bounce-backs from Antino and Docklands after poor Hong Kong efforts.

Mr Brightside will next trial at Flemington on August 15 ahead of his Caulfield return on August 30.