Ben Hayes believes evergreen star Mr Brightside is poised to write yet another chapter in his extraordinary career when he lines up in Saturday’s Champions Mile at Flemington.

The eight-year-old heads into the $3 million contest following a brave runner-up finish in the King Charles III Stakes (1600m) and returns to the same track where he captured a historic third Makybe Diva Stakes earlier this spring.

“He’s come back in outstanding form,” Hayes said.

“He may be an eight-year-old, but he’s racing like a horse in his prime. He’s tough, he’s consistent and he absolutely loves the mile.”

Mr Brightside has 10 Group 1 wins to his name, along with an All Star Mile title, and has long been regarded as one of the finest milers Australia has produced in the past decade.

The gelding first contested this race when it was known as the Cantala Stakes in 2021, finishing fourth. Since then, he has finished second in 2022 and won in style in 2023, defeating a group of elite rivals.

Over 1600m, his record speaks for itself: 24 starts for 13 wins and six seconds.

This Saturday he faces familiar rivals including Ceolwulf, Pride Of Jenni, Treasurethe Moment and Stefi Magnetica, and has drawn wide with Craig Williams aboard.

“It’s a deep race and he’ll have to be at his best,” Hayes said.

“But we know what he’s capable of. He’s a champion of our stable and we back him every time.”

If you’re betting on the Champions Mile, check the latest odds at the Australian betting sites list.