Jockey Craig Williams says Mr Brightside will be ‘tougher’ in Group 1 CF Orr Stakes at Caulfield

Craig Williams says a tough spring campaign will make Mr Brightside harder to beat this autumn, which starts in Saturday’s Group 1 CF Orr Stakes at Caulfield.

Jockey Craig Williams will ride a “tougher” Mr Brightside in Saturday’s Group 1 CF Orr Stakes at Caulfield. Picture: Getty Images

Champion jockey Craig Williams says his rivals will face a “tougher” Mr Brightside in Saturday’s Group 1 CF Orr Stakes at Caulfield.

Williams has forged a terrific partnership with Mr Brightside in the last three seasons, riding the top weight-for-age performer in 12 of his 14 wins.

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Mr Brightside enjoyed his best year in 2023, winning three Group 1 contests as well as the All-Star Mile, earning more than $8m from 10 starts.

Williams said Mr Brightside enjoyed his hard spring campaign which featured a narrow defeat in the Cox Plate and a solid second in the Champions Mile at his last two starts.

Mr Brightside (white silks) had a jump out at Flemington this morning 👇

Look at him go through the line! 😍 @lindsayparkracepic.twitter.com/yBKSh2awoV

— Racing.com (@Racing) February 2, 2024

He said the hard racing led to a slightly improved Mr Brightside ahead of his autumn campaign.

“He looks physically a bit tougher,” Williams said.

“He’s a good horse that has been very well developed and managed so it’s really exciting.

“He’s flying. They’re not significant improvements because they don’t have to be but he’s definitely got physical attributes that he’s improved on a little bit.”

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Williams rode Mr Brightside in a jumpout at Flemington last Friday.

The six-year-old finished third to the speedy mare Viviane in the 800m heat, making up several lengths in the last 200m of the hitout.

“What I loved was from the 500(m) to the winning post, took off and made so much ground,” Williams said.

“He was smooth, he was balanced and he was great.

“He had a blow after the trial but he will be improved and he’s ready to go to the races.”

After a protest, @widdenstud's Jacquinot (3 c Rubick - Ponterro by Pierro) claims the CF Orr Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m).

A future stallion, the 3YO shows that he is up to Australia's WFA stars! Well done to @MickPriceRacing and @LaneDamian 👏@SwettenhamStudpic.twitter.com/LXCTV7HDhS

— ANZ Bloodstock (@anz_news) February 11, 2023

TAB posted Mr Brightside as a $1.90 favourite in its early market when nominations for the $750,000 event closed on Monday.

Mr Brightside finished less than a length from smart colt Jacquinot in last year’s CF Orr Stakes but won the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes first-up over the Caulfield 1400m course last August.

Williams said the friendly banter with the connections of Australia Stakes winner Veight began soon after the three-year-old saluted at The Valley on January 27.

“I went to walk out of the mounting yard and they said, ‘we’ll see you in two weeks’,” Williams said.

“The McEvoy stable put out a challenge for us so they’re pretty excited about their horse.

“He (Veight) had a run under his belt and my horse hasn’t but the boys (Ben, JD and Will Hayes) are happy and I’m very happy with him.”

Originally published as Jockey Craig Williams says Mr Brightside will be ‘tougher’ in Group 1 CF Orr Stakes at Caulfield