The Lindsay Park team of Ben, Will and J D Hayes are excited by the progress Mr Brightside is making in preparation for his latest campaign.
Mr Brightside is back galloping and is due for a jump-out early next month as he gears towards a first-up run in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 30.
The gelding was just pipped in that race last year by Pinstriped before returning to winning form in Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington two weeks later.
Ben Hayes said Mr Brightside looks better in condition this time around that what he did 12 months ago after campaigning later into the season.
Mr Brightside travelled to Hong Kong, finishing last in the Champions Mile at Sha Tin in April and had his spell at the Spotswood quarantine facility upon his return.
“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.”
Hayes said Mr Brightside would have another gallop during the week and is being geared towards having a jump-out on the course proper at Flemington on August 4.
Mr Brightside would then have another jump-out at Flemington prior to his first-up out in 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 War Machine, who provided Lindsay Park with their first win in the Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm when successful last month, is back at the stable’s country property at Euroa preparing for his return.
Hayes said War Machine was being aimed at a first-up run in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on AFL Grand Final eve.
He said the stable also hopes to get an invite for 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.”
The Group 1 C F Orr Stakes (1400m) has been transferred from its traditional autumn date to be run in mid-November this year.
