A technical video fault meant very few got to see Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) jumpout at Flemington last Friday morning, but co-trainer Will Hayes was happy to confirm the 800-metre test was a worthy exercise with a view to racing in Hong Kong later this month.
“We’re really happy,” Hayes said at Caulfield on Saturday. “It was just a shame there was a technical fault in the trial so no one else got to see it.
“It was a classic first trial (800m) for us. Craig (Williams) just fell on his neck and was beautiful in behind and just worked through his gears to the line and finished second. We were really happy how he came out of it.
“He’ll have a second, more serious trial next Friday, and then off the back of that we’ll assess if we are going to go to Hong Kong, but that is still the plan.”
Mr Brightside is entered for the Gr.1 Champions Mile at Sha Tin on April 27, which looms as a big day for the Hayes family. On the same card, the Hayes boys’ father David will saddle the world’s best sprinter Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress), who last month made it 11 wins in a row in Hong Kong.
Hayes said if Mr Brightside comes through his next jumpout in the same order, he will be on the plane to Hong Kong just three days later.
“We’d fly out Monday after the Friday trial,” he explained. “Everything is all organised to go.
“Dad’s got Ka Ying Rising aimed at the 1200 (Chairman’s Sprint Prize). If everything goes to plan, it should be a good Sunday dinner.”
