Mr Brightside unleashes stunning burst for victory in Futurity Stakes at Caulfield for sixth Group 1 triumph
Mr Brightside enhanced his reputation as a champion when he won his sixth Group 1 in the Futurity Stakes after daring tactics from one of his rivals.
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Mr Brightside is just too good.
A champion, absolutely.
We knew that before the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) on Saturday at Caulfield.
He only enhanced the reputation.
Credit to Buffalo River, trainer Michael Moroney and jockey Celine Gaudray.
They threw everything at Mr Brightside with a mid-race move to put seven lengths on the champion.
IT'S MR BRIGHTSIDE AGAIN! 🕺
— 7HorseRacing 🎠(@7horseracing) February 24, 2024
HE BECOMES A SIX-TIME GROUP 1 WINNER! @CWilliamsJockey@lindsayparkracepic.twitter.com/YdvRQyydWF
A great sight and tactic, which almost paid off.
It certainly asked Mr Brightside a question.
Could he unleash a turn of foot second-up, with much bigger targets ahead, to run down the leader and win just like the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes last start?
Yes is the answer.
Pericles had the drop on Mr Brightside and marched into second with Buffalo River gallant in third.
A great contest for all concerned.
Lindsay Park trainers Ben, JD and Will Hayes watched in awe – a familiar emotion with Mr B.
“It’s so humbling every time we’re the ones that get to put a saddle on him because when he can just go out and run those sort of races, you’re gobsmacked every time,” Will Hayes said.
“Those were great tactics (Buffalo River), they really made everyone think in the race.
“I’d like to hear what Craig (Williams) was thinking at that time but for him to just be able to absorb such high mid-race pressure, kick off and then run a strong final two hundred.
“It is just champion qualities, it’s awesome.”
Breakaway galloper Buffalo River went about six lengths faster than standard comparison time from the 800m to 400m to put the peloton under pressure.
No one made significant ground in the straight, bar Mr Brightside and Pericles.
Star jockey Jamie Kah, aboard Pericles, appreciated both performances.
“Running second to Mr Brightside is almost like winning it,” Kah said.
“So you can’t ask for much more. I just wanted to be a pair closer on him and he finishes a half-a-length closer but he went great.”
Williams rode Mr Brightside as confidently as ever.
Trust was the underlining factor.
He knew what was to come.
“Mr B is just an amazing horse, a great athlete and he’s got no BS in him,” Williams said.
“He’s a killer, he’s a winner and he’s a pleasure to ride.”
Originally published as Mr Brightside unleashes stunning burst for victory in Futurity Stakes at Caulfield for sixth Group 1 triumph
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