Ben Hayes dismisses distance doubt on Mr Brightside in Australian Cup

Mr Brightside has a few scores to settle on Saturday as his rivalry with Pride Of Jenni ramps up in the Australian Cup.

Lindsay Park has scores to settle in the Group 1 Australian Cup on Saturday at Flemington.

Distance and opposition.

Any external doubts on Mr Brightside’s effectiveness at 2000m and up against newest rival, Pride Of Jenni, could be silenced at Headquarters on Saturday in the $3m Group 1.

The start is crucial from barrier one.

Mr Brightside was a step slow off the mark last start in All-Star Mile from barrier 11 and forced champion jockey Craig Williams to take a trailing position back in the field.

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It afforded Pride Of Jenni a dream ride in front, the tough mare led Mr Brightside by the best part of 15 lengths at one stage, and made it impossible for the champion to run her down.

Similar tactics could be deployed on Saturday although Pride Of Jenni must also answer the 2000m question.

Trainer Ben Hayes, chasing a fourth Australian Cup, in partnership this time with brothers JD and Will, has welcomed the challenges ahead.

PRIDE OF JENNI RAN THEM OFF THEIR FEET!!!@decbates took her gate-to-wire in the $3,750,000 All-Star Mile at Caulfield. @cmaherracing trained the 6-year-old Pride Of Dubai (@CoolmoreAus) mare! Congrats to the connections! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/CfqSLmVkJn

— TVG (@TVG) March 16, 2024

“He’s a pretty versatile horse, he’s led and won before, come from last, sat midfield, he is a horse that naturally settles on the pace, he did it in his first couple of Group 1s,” Hayes said.

“I think he’ll be able to travel and do it comfortably at 2000m, it all depends on how he jumps and if he jumps well and is close enough, I think he’ll run well.

“This time I think he’ll naturally (benefit of barrier one) be able to be that little closer, and if he is within striking range, he’s got the ability to do it, but we’ll have to find out.”

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Mr Brightside is a $2.70 favourite with TAB in the nine-horse field from Pride Of Jenni ($2.90), Atishu ($5) and reigning Australian Cup winner Cascadian ($8).

The six-time Group 1 champion boasts an astonishing 50 per cent winning strike rate – 16 from 32 starts – and placed on a further eight occasions, including six seconds.

“He’s a very consistent horse, he has never let us down, and I’m very confident he’ll run well,” Hayes said.

“He’s probably the most consistent horse in Australia and that’s what makes him a great horse.

“I don’t think the 2000m is the issue, he’s actually gene tested to get 2400m, so I’m not too worried … he’s just been so good over a mile we have kept him at a mile.”

Mr Brightside (left) renews his rivalry with Pride Of Jenni in the Group 1 Australian Cup at Flemington on Saturday. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

Champion jockey Craig Williams is looking forward to the competition on Saturday.

“It’s right in his wheelhouse (2000m) … he ticks a lot of boxes, but most importantly he’s got to do the running,” Williams said.

“It’s all right for us to get excited and put pressure on him, we’re very lucky he’s a phenomenal athlete and he loves to compete and he loves to win more often than not.”

Williams has nothing but respect for Pride Of Jenni.

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“She’s an amazing racehorse, her run style we haven’t seen, I think since Vo Rogue, Sunline would be another one that comes to mind, take nothing away, my horse is a great horse and so is she.”

Pride Of Jenni has won two of the past three clashes with Mr Brightside but Hayes welcomed the rivalry.

“I think these clashes between these horses are great,” Hayes said.

“There was Alligator Blood and Mr Brightside and he (our horse) ended up winning, and now it’s her, and she’s up at the moment, time will tell who’s got the best record.

“They’re going to clash a lot over the next couple of years, (Pride Of Jenni’s owner) Tony (Ottobre) has got horses with us as well and we really respect her.

“She’s beaten us convincingly twice, we’re looking forward to the clash … personally I think he’s up to beating her so he’ll have to show everyone.”

Originally published as Ben Hayes dismisses distance doubt on Mr Brightside in Australian Cup