Mr Brightside headlines field of 11 for Group 1 Futurity Stakes

Mr Brightside ridden by Craig Williams winning the 2024 Futurity Stakes at Caulfield. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos)

The Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) is the first of three Group 1 features set to take place at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon, with the $750,000 weight-for-age classic attracting a quality field of 11.

Eight-time Group 1 winner Mr Brightside is the clear-cut favourite with horse racing bookmakers for the event, with the son of Bullbars opening $1.85 after a stellar first-up performance behind Another Wil at the same course and distance in the Group 1 C.F Orr Stakes (1400m) on February 8.

Craig Williams is set to partner the battle hardened seven-year-old once again and may have work to do searching for cover drawn in barrier 11.

I Wish I Win is slated to make his return to racing after failing in The Everest (1200m) on October 19 and is on the second line of betting as a $4.60 chance with Dabble.

The son of Savabeel has won two jump-outs at Pakenham to get ready for this first-up assignment, with Jamie Melham booked to take the reins from barrier three.

The Godolphin duo of Tom Kitten ($8.00) and Pericles ($10.00) are listed to return from a spell, with the pair set to gain economical runs from barriers two and one respectively.

Meanwhile, the three-year-old contingent represents good value at the bottom of the racebook, with Private Life ($26.00) and Evaporate ($17.00) set to take on the older horses.

The 2025 Futurity Stakes is the first leg of the quaddie at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon and is scheduled to get underway at 3:40pm local time.