JD Hayes has no doubt Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) is a better horse than he was a year ago when he won the Gr.1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) but that doesn’t mean he’s winning the race again at Randwick on Saturday.
“He’s a different horse to the one which won the Doncaster last year and he needs to be with the weight rise he has to contend with,” Hayes said.
Last year Mr Brightside carried 50kg to win and he has 55.5kg this year.
At stake for Mr Brightside after his last start win in the All-Star Mile is the title of being acknowledged as Australia’s best miler.
“I think his last start win in the All-Star Mile was outstanding. He’s a very good miler,” he said.
Hayes said Mr Brightside had travelled up well to Sydney.
Mr Brightside has drawn barrier two and will be ridden by Zac Purton, who replaces the sidelined Craig Williams.
“From that draw he’ll need to get the right breaks from the 600m to the 400m and if he does, he’ll go close.”
