Lindsay Park’s star performer Mr Brightside is set to defend a perfect record in an early Group 1 feature at Flemington.
Mr Brightside has participated in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday for the last three seasons, securing victories each time.
In his initial success, he outpointed Alligator Blood, then chased down Pride Of Jenni in 2024, and last year he defeated Aeliana.
Via Sistina, who went on to win the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley the following month, finished behind Mr Brightside in his two most recent Makybe Diva Stakes wins.
Mr Brightside’s three victories have been aided by small fields, which allowed the now nine-year-old gelding to dictate terms.
Last year, he set a moderate pace, completing the 1600m in 1:38.75 and sprinting home the final 600m in 32.66 seconds.
This year’s field comprises 13 acceptors, but Mr Brightside has drawn an ideal barrier in gate two. With regular jockey Craig Williams moving to Sir Delius, Blake Shinn takes the ride.
Mr Brightside’s enduring class is demonstrated by his 20 wins from 49 starts and prize money totalling over $19 million.
He has generally been free of injury, although a minor bone chip in a fetlock kept the gelding sidelined earlier in the year.
This spell allowed Mr Brightside a longer rest than usual and a robust preparation for his return.
J D Hayes, co-trainer of the gelding with his brothers Ben and Will, described Mr Brightside as a ‘freak’ after his first-up second to Beiwacht in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 29.
“He’s never let us down,” Hayes remarked.
“He’s a freak and nothing surprises you when it comes to him.
“He was there at the top of the straight, he was vulnerable to the opposition, but he fought like a tiger and held on for second.
“The way it was looking he was going to run fourth, or fifth, we felt, but he dug deep and showed he is a true champion, but the winner was too good.”
Hayes stated that Mr Brightside has seen considerable improvement from his Memsie Stakes run, as it was his first race of the season.
“He’s improved, physically, as you would expect out of it after a long time off,” Hayes explained.
“He’s tightened up beautifully and the Flemington mile, plus if there was any rain, it would be great.”
Check out racing odds for the Makybe Diva Stakes at Australian betting sites.
