The Lindsay Park trio—Ben, Will, and J D Hayes—are buzzing with excitement as stable star Mr Brightside builds toward another promising campaign.
Now back into his routine, Mr Brightside is clocking up gallops and is on track to jump out early next month as he targets a return in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 30.
Last year, he narrowly missed victory in that race, going down to Pinstriped before bouncing back strongly to salute in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington a fortnight later.
Ben Hayes believes Mr Brightside is ahead of where he was this time last year, aided by a more compact break following an extended season.
After concluding his campaign in Hong Kong with a last-place finish in the Champions Mile at Sha Tin in April, Mr Brightside underwent his spell at Spotswood quarantine before returning to work.
“He had his first gallop last Monday and did it well,” Hayes said.
“Compared to other years, he’s got a really good coat for this time of year and looks really healthy and is possibly a bit more forward at the same time as he’s been previously.
“His regular rider Ross commented on it and us three boys all agree.
“His action is good, and he seems a happy horse.”
Mr Brightside is due for another gallop this week, and a jump-out is penciled in for August 4 on the course proper at Flemington, followed by a second hit-out before the Memsie Stakes.
“He’s a horse that generally doesn’t have a big spell,” Hayes said.
“We were able to give him one last year and he probably peaked first-up and got beaten, but then he came out and won.
“I think he’s very forward. He’s only turning eight and we’re delighted to have him around.”
Meanwhile, Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap winner War Machine is also making progress, currently preparing at Lindsay Park’s Euroa property for a spring tilt.
Hayes confirmed the son of War Decree is being aimed at a first-up run in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on AFL Grand Final eve, with ambitions of earning a spot in the The Everest.
“He’s arrived safe and sound and is back in work,” Hayes said.
“We’re probably looking at running in the Manikato first-up. Going into that fresh and then hopefully The Everest, if he gets invited.
“The Manikato is two weeks before The Everest, so it will fit well, then there is the $3 million race two weeks after that in Sydney and then we can come back down here for the C F Orr Stakes.”
This year, the C F Orr Stakes (1400m) has been moved from its usual autumn slot and will instead be held in mid-November.
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