Mr Brightside is primed to defend his title in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, following a successful trial at Geelong. The Lindsay Park team, led by trainers Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, along with jockey Craig Williams, were impressed with his performance over 1000m.

This was his second trial in preparation for his upcoming race on Saturday week. Williams, who has been associated with many of Mr Brightside’s victories, remains impressed by the gelding’s consistent preparation returns. “He was great, fabulous. He looks unreal,” Williams remarked. “His attitude is excellent, his action is great, and he did what Ben and the Hayes boys wanted him to do today.”

Williams also noted Mr Brightside’s progress in the starting gates, an area he sometimes struggles with early in his campaigns. The positive trial suggests promising form, with Williams adding, “His recovery tells me after his performance that he’ll make improvement from this morning, so it’s pretty exciting.”

Post-Orr Stakes, Mr Brightside will target the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) and the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m). A potential run in Hong Kong at the Champions Mile (1600m) on April 26 will depend on his form through these races.

Ben Hayes outlined the campaign strategy, “His first three runs are almost set in stone – the Orr, the Futurity, the All-Star Mile. It’s a recipe that has worked very well for us and once we get them done and he shows he’s in good form, we’ll go to Hong Kong for the mile race.”

While the team contemplates an additional run before Hong Kong, possibly in Sydney, all necessary preparations, including inoculations, have been completed. At seven years old, Mr Brightside has not been overly raced, boasting 18 wins from 40 starts, and Hayes is confident about his form heading into the Orr Stakes.