Mr Brightside is set to return to the location of his first victory as he trials at Geelong. The Lindsay Park-trained horse secured his maiden win at Geelong in July 2021 during his third race start, marking the beginning of a six-race winning streak that propelled him to become one of Australia’s top gallopers.

Currently, Mr Brightside is being prepared for his first-up attempt at the Group 1 Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 8, a race he triumphed in last year by defeating Pride Of Jenni.

The upcoming Geelong trial on Wednesday will be Mr Brightside’s second preparation run, following an 800m jump-out at Werribee on January 17, overseen by trainers Ben, Will, and J D Hayes. He is scheduled to trial in the second heat of the morning over 1000m, facing competitors such as Red Aces, Arabian Summer, and Plenty Of Ammo.

These crucial trials were delayed by a day due to the rescheduling of the Geelong race meeting from Monday to Tuesday because of extreme heat.

Trainer Dominic Sutton has decided to trial Caulfield Guineas runner-up Feroce over 1200m, opting out of Mr Brightside’s trial. Feroce will face last year’s Queensland Derby winner Warmonger, who hasn’t raced since finishing eighth in the Caulfield Cup, and champion jumper Stern Idol, who is gearing up for the upcoming jumps season.

Group 1 VRC Oaks winner Treasurethe Moment is also set to trial over 1000m in the third heat of the morning, where she will compete against other high-class three-year-old Too Darn Discreet.

Trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy will showcase a strong contingent of two-year-olds, with 13 horses entered across three two-year-old heats.

A total of 14 trials are scheduled for Wednesday morning before the racing action moves to Sandown for a twilight meeting.