The Ben and JD Hayes-trained gavelhouse.com graduate Mr Brightside will be looking to continue his rapid ascent in racing this autumn with the gelding being targeted towards some Group 1 features in the coming months.
In his first Australian campaign, Mr Brightside put together six wins on the trot before being narrowly defeated in the Group 1 Cantala Stakes, a win that would’ve capped off a “fairy tale” preparation.
Speaking with SEN Track’s Andrew Bensley, co-trainer JD Hayes provided an update on the four-year-old who is set to trial next week.
“You always have a soft spot for a horse that’s able to win six in a row,” he said.
“He did really well and exceeded all expectations but unfortunately we just fell short of pulling off the fairy tale going from a maiden to a Group 1.https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.496.0_en.html#goog_911525470 seconds of 15 secondsVolume 0% x close
“He’s showing all the signs that he’s back and bigger and with that preparation under his belt, he’s certainly shown improvement so he’s going to go to Bendigo on February 1 and have a trial.”
Having come back in terrific order since spring, the Hayes camp will look to target some G1 mile races in the autumn, highlighted by the $500,000 All-Star Mile and a potential trip to Sydney for the $3,000,000 Doncaster Mile.
“He’s put on 40kgs since last preparation and just with that experience, we do believe he can get out over 2000m but we’ve been happy with what we’ve seen to set our sights on the good mile races this autumn,” JD added.
“Obviously the All-Star Mile and also the Doncaster, it’s a great time to be racing in Australia as there are plenty of options for when you get a good one, there’s plenty of prizemoney on offer so hopefully he’s able to keep adding to that prizemoney tally for the owners.”
Mr Brightside is currently rated a $26 chance in the All-Star Mile, should he be voted in by racing fans. – SEN
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