Champion galloper Mr Brightside has taken another positive step towards his spring campaign after an encouraging jump out at Flemington on Monday.
The 10-time Group 1 winner pleased co-trainer JD Hayes in his first public hit-out since undergoing minor fetlock surgery late last year, with Mark Zahra aboard while Craig Williams is on a humanitarian mission in Ukraine.
Hayes said the veteran gelding had returned in excellent order and remained on target for a first-up run in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes on August 29.
“It was his first trial after a long time off, he blew the cobwebs out and seems to have come through it in really good order,” Hayes said.
Despite turning nine, Hayes believes the star galloper still has plenty to offer after only beginning his racing career at four.
Stablemate Evaporate also impressed in a jump out and is likely to resume in the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes, with a Memsie start to follow if successful.
Hayes also confirmed Group 1 winner War Machine had come through his pre-race barrier incident at Flemington unharmed and is set to trial later this week before resuming.