Lindsay Park’s esteemed galloper Mr Brightside is set to defend a flawless record in an early-season Group 1 event at Flemington.
Mr Brightside has competed in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday for the last three years, achieving a win on each occasion.
His initial triumph saw him overcome Alligator Blood, followed by surpassing Pride Of Jenni in 2024, and last year he bested Aeliana.
Via Sistina, who subsequently claimed the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley the following month, finished behind Mr Brightside in his two most recent victories.
Mr Brightside’s previous three wins were aided by small fields, allowing the now nine-year-old gelding to dictate the pace.
Last year, he controlled the front, completing the 1600m in 1:38.75 and accelerating through the final 600m in 32.66 seconds.
This year’s renewal features a field of 13 acceptors, but Mr Brightside has secured an advantageous barrier in gate two. With regular jockey Craig Williams opting for Sir Delius, Blake Shinn will be in the saddle.
Mr Brightside’s enduring strength is evident in his impressive statistics: 20 wins from 49 starts and prize money exceeding $19 million.
He has largely remained free of injury, though a minor bone chip in a fetlock sidelined the gelding earlier in the year.
This setback provided Mr Brightside with an extended spell and a thorough preparation for his return.
J D Hayes, co-trainer of the gelding with his brothers Ben and Will, referred to Mr Brightside as a ‘freak’ following his first-up second place to Beiwacht in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 29.
“He’s never let us down,” Hayes stated.
“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 indicated that Mr Brightside has significantly improved since his Memsie Stakes performance, given it was his initial run of the season.
“He’s improved, physically, as you would expect out of it after a long time off,” Hayes commented.
“He’s tightened up beautifully and the Flemington mile, plus if there was any rain, it would be great.”
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