Mr Brightside, ridden by Craig Williams (Image: Racing Photos)
Classy galloper Mr Brightside will take his first steps towards his return to racing in 2023 when he does his first gallop since returning from a spell at Lindsay Park, Euroa on Wednesday morning.
“He looks fantastic, he’s got a great coat on him, he’s put weight on and he looks really well,” Ben Hayes said of the winner of nine of his 20 starts.
“He’s spelled really well and we will be building him up with his main target is the All-Star Mile.”
Hayes said that Mr Brightside’s first-up run would be in the Orr Stakes at Caulfield on February 11.
Hayes said that the Blamey Stakes was also an option for Mr Brightside to try and get into the All-Star Mile.
Over spring Mr Brightside won his first two starts which were the Group 2 Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield and the Group 2 Feehan Stakes at The Valley.
He then had his next four starts at Group 1 level with his best result his last start when he finished third in the VRC Champions Mile behind Alligator Blood.
Hayes said that Mr Brightside would have benefited from the experience of racing at the top level at weight-for-age and had come back each preparation a better horse.
Hayes also said that Mr Brightside would be nominated for the Australian Cup.
He said that the progressive Gentleman Roy would also be aimed at the All-Star Mile.
Hayes said that the six-year-old mare Excelida, who finished third in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes would be set for races at that level against her own sex.
“I would say the Coolmore and then the Tatt’s Tiara in Brisbane would be the races she will be aimed at. If she can win a Group 1 she’ll be a very valuable broodmare.”
Hayes said the stable’s overseas import Camorra who finished 21st in the Melbourne Cup would miss the autumn carnival and be back for next spring.
Hayes said Lindsay Park was thrilled to have picked up a stayer of the calibre of Point Nepean from Team Williams.