Mr Brightside's spring build-up to begin
He won’t be at Flemington this Saturday, but star miler Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) is close to beginning his build up towards a racetrack return.
Lindsay Park ruled the eight-year-old out of this year’s Autumn Carnival when they discovered a small chip in Mr Brightside’s left fore fetlock last December.
Mr Brightside has contested the past four editions of the All-Star Mile, winning it in 2023 before finishing second the past two years.
“He’s in great order,” said Ben Hayes, who trains Mr Brightside in partnership with his brothers Will and JD.
“He is in the paddock currently and he’s just coming in now to get back on the water walker because we don’t want him to put on too much weight, he’s a very good doer.
“He’s come through the surgery excellently, he looks a million dollars, and we look forward to seeing him in the spring.”
Despite the absence of Mr Brightside, the Hayes brothers will take a strong team of 11 runners to Flemington on Saturday, highlighted by Evaporate (NZ) (Per Incanto) in the G1 All-Star Mile and War Machine (NZ) (Harry Angel) in the G1 Newmarket Handicap.
“I thought his first-up run was very good,” Hayes said of Evaporate.
“He wasn’t beaten very far, he’s a horse that generally improves into his preps, which he’s shown. He’s got barrier eight, so we’ve got to work out if we’re rolling forward or we’re slotting in yet, I haven’t really had a good chat to Luke (Currie), but I could not fault the horse, we’re really happy with him and think he’ll run a nice, competitive race.”
Evaporate is at $16 with Sportsbet for the All-Star Mile.
Hayes also believes that Stradbroke Handicap winner War Machine can bounce back to form in the Newmarket Handicap.
“After his below par run at Pakenham, we freshened him up deliberately and were looking to target the Newmarket,” he said.
“He’s had two jumpouts into it, and I thought his last jumpout in particular down the straight was very good, he was so strong through the line. He’s got a good straight record, one from one and I think it’s a track that really suits him.
“He’s tightened up again and it wouldn’t surprise me if he can really shake the race as a genuine top three chance.”
War Machine is at $12 for the Newmarket Handicap with Sportsbet.
