Lindsay Park trainers Ben, Will and J D Hayes cannot ask much more of Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars).
The gelding is the winner of 16 races and almost A$13 million in prize money and has put the Lindsay Park stable and their own names out in the racing world as trainers of Group One winners.
But Ben Hayes said there was one glaring omission from Mr Brightside’s CV, a Group One victory at 2000 metres.
Hayes hopes that will be rectified on Saturday in the Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington.
Mr Brightside was denied a win in the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley last spring, a defeat that still grates Hayes.
“He’s probably a Cox Plate winner if that race was 2000, instead of 2040 metres,” Hayes said.
“So, if we could tick off a Group One at 2000 metres, I would be very happy.”
Hayes said Mr Brightside had recovered well from his second-place finish to Pride Of Jenni in the All-Star Mile (1600m) at Caulfield on March 16.
The gelding staged a big performance that day, coming from back in the field to run the Ciaron Maher-trained mare to two lengths.
Craig Williams was criticised in some circles for his ride, but the jockey retains the ride in the Australian Cup as they bid to square the ledger with Pride Of Jenni.
The mare holds a two-one advantage over Mr Brightside after scoring in the Gr.1 Champions Mile (1600m) at Flemington last spring while Mr Brightside took the honours in the Gr.1 Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last month.
Mr Brightside returned to Lindsay Park’s property at Euroa after his All-Star Mile defeat and is in perfect health.
“With the ride Craig gave him, he’s come through it fantastic,” Hayes said.
“You could not be happier with how he came through the race going towards the Australian Cup.
“It was the perfect run.
“We took him back to the farm. He loves going out into the paddock, especially at this time of year.
“He’s ready to run well.”
