Mr Brightside ready for Hong Kong trip after successful Flemington trial

Nine-time Group 1 winner Mr Brightside is ready for his trip to Hong Kong. The seven-year-old gelding finished his last bit of preparation on Friday with an 800m jump-out at Flemington Racecourse.

Mr Brightside finished first in that trial run. The Lindsay Park team of Ben, JD, and Will Hayes hope that the run is a good sign of what will come later this autumn.

The Hayes brothers and Mr Brightside will leave for Hong Kong on Monday ahead of the Group 1 Champions Mile at Sha Tin on April 27.

“He’s ready”

Mr Brightside’s first-place finish in the 800m jump-out at Flemington seems routine, but co-trainer Will Hayes says it’s been a bit of a change of pace for his gelding.

“It’s a pretty unique preparation for him,” Hayes said, referring to how he’s prepared for the trip to Hong Kong.

“Over the past two or three years we haven’t been able to freshen him like we have, so he’s actually thriving and he’s ready for an international flight.”

Speaking specifically about the trial itself, Hayes says Mr Brightside impressed him and that he thinks he will do well in Hong Kong.

“It was a really forward trial,” he said, “He showed great barrier speed and ran to the line nicely.

“Craig (jockey Craig Williams) was particularly thrilled, which is always a good guide.”

“One of the best milers in the world”

Mr Brightside has won nine Group 1 races, but he has never raced in Hong Kong. Hayes says the seven-year-old is ready for the challenge.

“We look forward to it (the Champions Mile), and I think he’s one of the best milers in the world.”

Hayes also explained that he thinks Mr Brightside’s consistency gives him an edge over the competition.

“He’s one of the most consistent horses I’ve ever seen,” Hayes said, “He turns up every time, gives his all, and just loves the mile trip. We’re confident he’ll be competitive in Hong Kong.”

The betting sites agree with Hayes about Mr Brightside’s chances. Most early horse racing betting odds have the gelding listed at second favourite with $4.60 chances to win. Only Voyage Bubble ($2.00) has better odds.

Royal Patronage also goes to Hong Kong

Mr Brightside is not the only top Australian galloper heading to Hong Kong this autumn. Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s Royal Patronage will also race at Sha Tin on April 27 in the Champions Mile.

“This is a huge moment for our stable,” Bott said about his horse’s upcoming trip.

“To have a horse like Royal Patronage alongside Mr Brightside on this global stage is a testament to how far Australian racing has come.”

Hayes echoed Bott’s sentiment, saying: “There’s a lot of excitement around this.

“To be part of an event of this magnitude is special. Mr Brightside has earned his shot, and we think he can do something pretty special over there.”