Trainer Adrian Bott is drawing confidence from Mr Brightside’s spring resurgence as he prepares Royal Patronage for his return to racing.

Both horses competed in Hong Kong’s Champions Mile (1600m) earlier this year, where neither was able to fire. But since then, Mr Brightside has bounced back with a second placing in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) before capturing the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) last weekend.

Bott is optimistic Royal Patronage can also rebound when he resumes at Randwick on Saturday.

“Things didn’t work out for him in Hong Kong but he’s had a good break off the back of that,” Bott said.

“He is first-up here and Mr Brightside has shown you can bounce back off those international preps.

“He seems in good shape and he is coming up well.”

Royal Patronage has been entered for both the 7 Stakes (1600m) and the Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m). However, Bott confirmed the 7 Stakes is the preferred option given his wide draw and heavy weight in the shorter event.

Bott admits starting him at a mile is unusual, as his fresh runs in Australia have come over shorter distances. Still, he did finish second in the Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick.

“The mile first-up is new territory for him,” Bott said.

“He’s a horse that performs really well first-up and does well fresh but that’s been over 1400 and 1300.

“The mile seems to be his ideal distance though, so I think he can be effective in that regard and he’s had a good grounding to get here.”

This year’s 7 Stakes has assembled a quality field including Fangirl, Ceolwulf, and Ciaron Maher-trained duo Light Infantry Man and Gringotts.

Looking ahead, Bott has Royal Patronage set for the King Charles III Stakes (1600m) on Everest day at Randwick.

Those planning to back Royal Patronage in the 7 Stakes can secure markets via Australia’s best betting sites.