An exciting autumn calendar awaits formidable Kiwi-bred galloper Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars), who will defend his crown in the Gr.1 C.F Orr Stakes (1400m) next Saturday after a comfortable trial win at Geelong.
The son of Bullbars has accumulated eight Group Ones and over A$16.3 million in stakes in a 40-start career, where he has been the leading light for Lindsay Park Racing, headed by brothers Ben, Will and JD Hayes.
Ben Hayes was on course at Geelong on Tuesday, where his star galloper sat in behind the speed for regular rider Craig Williams, before rolling over the top of classy filly Arabian Summer to take the 1000m heat.
“He was great, exactly what we wanted,” Hayes told Racing.com. “It was nice to have Craig come in and ride him, he wasn’t feeling very well today so it was good of him to come in.
“He was super, he sat just in behind the speed and did everything we wanted. He extended to the line, he’s come back having a nice healthy blow, and more importantly, Craig gave him a big tick and said he looks fantastic.
“If you go through his preps, spring through to autumn, he’s always carrying that residual fitness, so he’s come to hand really nicely. We’re very comfortable with where he’s at.”
12 months ago, Mr Brightside followed a similar schedule to his plan in 2025, with the Orr preceding runs in the Gr.1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) and Gr.1 All Star Mile (1600m). The gelding went on to contest the Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m), but this year, an international trip to take on the Gr.1 Hong Kong Champions Mile (1600m) is firmly on his radar.
“If they work perfectly, you stick to the same recipe,” Hayes said.
“We’re doing very similar, last year we were supposed to trial on this day and we had to scratch him, so he ended up trialling the following Friday. That’s what we’ve done slightly different, but he hasn’t had any hiccups at all, he’s lovely and sound, a happy horse. We feel we’ve got him spot on for the Orr.
“They’re the three runs he will head towards if everything goes to plan, and hopefully that’s how it goes. If he’s in form and we’re happy after the All Star Mile, we’ll work out if we go to Sydney and have a run, then go to Hong Kong. They are all decisions to make in three runs time.”
Fellow New Zealand-bred in the Lindsay Park contingent, Here To Shock (NZ) (Shocking), also featured at Geelong, winning his 1000m heat under Craig Newitt. In the spring and summer months, the son of Shocking landed some lucrative prizes winning the $1.5 million Alan Brown (1400m) and $1 million Supernova (1400m).
Meanwhile, in search of their next Kiwi star, the Hayes were active buyers at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale this week, purchasing eight yearlings out of Book 1. Among their selections was Lot 261, the half-sister to Group One winner Ruthless Dame, and Lot 547, a Savabeel half-brother to Group Two winner Spanish Whisper.
