Four-time Group 1 winner Mr Brightside is gearing up for an official trial at Geelong later this month in preparation for his first-up appearance in the CF Orr Stakes on February 10.
Trained by Ben, Will, and JD Hayes, the six-year-old gelding has a busy autumn schedule ahead, including a defence of his All-Star Mile crown.
JD Hayes outlined the plans for Mr Brightside's upcoming races stating he'll kick off in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m), then the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m), All Star Mile (1600m), and then potentially looking at a tilt at the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m).
Hayes mentioned, “It's his first jump–out (on Thursday), so he'll just bowl around and have a nice fitness blowout, and then he'll probably trial at Geelong on the 30th (of January).
“We've just been ticking him over at home, he's been getting out in the day paddocks, he's been loving life, we've had really good weather up here (at Euroa), and he's been the beneficiary of that.”
“He looks magnificent, so we're looking forward to seeing him come through these couple of trials leading up to the first-up run.”
Mr Brightside will look to add a second All Star Mile crown to an already impressive record after claiming the race in 2023 and is a $6.50 market elect for the 2024 edition with top horse racing bookmakers.