Mr Brightside may be nearer to the final chapters of his racing story than the opening ones, but co-trainer Ben Hayes sees no reason the Lindsay Park champion cannot again reign supreme in the Champions Mile at Flemington this Saturday.

The eight-year-old comes into the $3 million feature after a determined second-place finish in the King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on October 18, a run that suggests he is perfectly set to defend his Champions Mile crown.

It will be a return to a track where he continues to excel. Earlier this spring he created history by winning a third-straight Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), after kicking off his campaign with a strong second in the Memsie Stakes (1400m).

“I think, arguably, he’s going as well as ever,” Hayes said.

“He’s come back super this prep. He’s consistently delivering at the top level and showing no signs of going off. Every trainer dreams of having a horse like him.”

Mr Brightside has won 10 Group 1 races, placed in 10 more and added the All Star Mile to his résumé. Hayes said the gelding remains the stable’s heart and pride.

His association with the Champions Mile began when it was still known as the Cantala Stakes. He finished fourth in 2021, then finished second in 2022, before stamping his authority with victory in 2023.

The 1600m journey is his specialist distance. He has raced at that trip 24 times for 13 wins, six seconds and a third. His only recent defeat at the mile came in Hong Kong’s Champions Mile last April.

This year’s field features familiar adversaries including Ceolwulf, Pride Of Jenni, Treasurethe Moment and Stefi Magnetica. Mr Brightside and Craig Williams have drawn wide in barrier nine of the 10 runners.

“It’s a strong race, it always is,” Hayes said.

“We’ve beaten some of these before, and they’ve beaten us, so it sets up a proper mile test. But he’s good enough — we believe in him.”

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