One of the most formidable partnerships in Australian racing will reunite at Caulfield on Saturday to try to improve on their Group One tally.
Leading hoop Craig Williams has ridden New Zealand-bred Group One winner Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) in 30 of his 34 starts, including 14 victories, with five of those at elite-level.
The pair enjoyed a stellar spring last season, winning their first three starts of the preparation, including the Gr.2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m), Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m), and Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m).
They will join forces again this weekend in the Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m), and Williams believes the Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained gelding is capable of replicating last season’s dream start.
“I am happy and most importantly the stable is happy, they have a really good handle on where he is at and where he needs to be,” Williams told Racing.com.
“I have trialled him in his two jump-outs this preparation and he has had nice progression.
“He will have a lot of benefit after Saturday’s run, but he is definitely fit enough and ready enough to be winning as well.”
Williams said he is also hoping to capitalise on the strengths of Mr Brightside against a star-studded line-up, which includes Group One heroine Pride Of Jenni.
“Brightside works out where he is going to be from where he begins and how he musters his speed,” Williams said.
“He has got amazing acceleration which makes him the best horse on his day in Australia and he has got an amazing will to win.
“Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and we will work on our strengths and hopefully exploit some of her (Pride of Jenni) and the other oppositions weaknesses as well.”
