Ben Hayes concedes Mr Brightside got a ‘reality check’ in the Underwood Stakes, but it has not been enough to prompt he and his co-trainer JD Hayes to deviate from a path towards the Cox Plate.
The way the five-year-old has trained on since his 2-3/4-length fifth placing in the 1800-metre event at Sandown on September 25 has the brothers optimistic ahead of his first try at 2000m in this Saturday’s The Might And Power at Caulfield.
“I think, reflecting on it, Craig (Williams) rode him to win, which is absolutely fine – he went early and made a big run on him – but he didn’t peak on his run,” Hayes said.
“A couple of others were just a bit more hardened and fit and have run at weight-for-age for a long time.
“That was his first time against the best and he had a bit of a reality check, but he’s come through it well.
“I still think he ran out the race perfectly fine and we’ve got to have a go at 2000 (metres) and keep the dream alive.”
The Underwood Stakes snapped a three-race winning streak for Mr Brightside, who rounded out his autumn campaign with victory in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) and started his spring preparation with Group 2 wins in the P.B. Lawrence Stakes (1400m) and Feehan Stakes (1600m).
The $1 million Might And Power shapes as a virtual dress rehearsal for the Cox Plate with the four horses who beat home Mr Brightside at Sandown – Alligator Blood, Mo’Unga, Zaaki and I’m Thunderstruck – also nominated.
Anamoe, the ruling Cox Plate favourite, Benaud and Nonconformist as the other entries.
Mr Brightside will be part of a strong Group 1 contingent Lindsay Park will take to Caulfield on Saturday with Group 2 Stutt Stakes winner Tijuana to contest the $3 million Caulfield Guineas (1600m) and last-start Sandon winner Gentleman Roy the $1 million Toorak Handicap (1600m).
