Hong Kong calling Mr Brightside: ‘It’s good timing’, trainer Ben Hayes says

Lindsay Park has serious Hong Kong ambitions for champion Mr Brightside next year.

Mr Brightside in full flight winning the Champions Mile. Picture: George Sal/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Lindsay Park has serious Hong Kong ambitions for champion Mr Brightside next year.

The seven-time Group 1-winner will be set for a traditional autumn in Melbourne — CF Orr Stakes, Futurity Stakes and All-Star Mile — before the “focus” shifts to Hong Kong.

Co-trainer Ben Hayes, who trains in partnership with his brothers Will and JD, said the timing was right to tackle the Champions Mile at Sha Tin on April 27.

“He’s seven, he’s done everything he can here in Australia and been very competitive,” Hayes said.

Hong Kong has been floated previously but Australian targets prevailed at the time.

The performance of Group 1 Toorak Handicap-winner Antino next month in the Hong Kong Mile on December 8 should be a strong form reference for Lindsay Park and Mr Brightside owners.

Runner-up Antino placed a half-length behind Mr Brightside in the Champions Mile two weeks’ ago at Flemington.

WHAT A SUPERSTAR!! Mr Brightside with a stunning victory in the $3 million Champions Mile. Craig Williams with a peach of a ride.

🎥 @wwos | #StakesDay | #MelbCupCarnivalpic.twitter.com/GKWIoOZp2z

— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) November 9, 2024

Mr Brightside finished ahead of Antino in their past four encounters.

“I think we’ll get a good guide with Antino, he’s currently favourite for that race, if he goes over and runs well,” Hayes said.

“A couple of Hong Kong superstars (have retired), especially Golden Sixty, and there’s a bit of an opening there — so it’s good timing.”

Mr Brightside won two of six starts during the spring carnival, including the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes, and raked in another $3.7 million prizemoney to take his career tally to $16.3 million.

Mr Brightside has won 18 of 40 starts and placed on 12 occasions.

He has finished outside the top five just once – seventh in the 2022 Cox Plate.

Hayes conceded Mr Brightside is unlikely to race beyond 1600m again.

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“You never know, you never say no, there could be a good opportunity to, but I think next spring we’ll probably aim at the King Charles instead of the Cox Plate,” Hayes said.

“It’s not all set in stone but I think with the ownership group and us trainers (understanding) is to keep him at a mile.

“We still think he runs 2000m but he’s been unlucky the 2000m races he’s found have all been very strong run 2000m.”

Mr Brightside “pulled up fantastic” after the Champions Mile at Flemington.

“We’re very happy with him,” Hayes said.

“He’s on the water walker at the farm, a very happy horse, out in the day paddocks during the day and back in work before you know it.

“He’s taken everyone on a ride. He’s a very special horse to us and we got to enjoy it.”

Originally published as Hong Kong calling Mr Brightside: ‘It’s good timing’, trainer Ben Hayes says