Ben Hayes believes stable star Mr Brightside can once again rise to the occasion in Saturday’s Champions Mile at Flemington.

The eight-year-old heads into the $3 million feature following a brave second in the King Charles III Stakes (1600m) and is chasing consecutive Champions Mile victories.

It comes after his third straight Makybe Diva Stakes win and another strong campaign that has impressed Hayes.

“I think, arguably, you could say he is,” Hayes said when asked if Mr Brightside was at his best.
“He’s come back and his three runs to date have been fantastic and he’s showing no signs of training off.”

A 10-time Group 1 winner, Mr Brightside has excelled at the mile, winning 13 of 24 starts at the distance.

Drawn wide in a quality field featuring Pride Of Jenni, Treasurethe Moment and Stefi Magnetica, Hayes remains confident.

“He’s good enough, I know that,” he said. “He’s a special horse for us and we believe in him.”