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| Sumita Pawar |
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A visit to Benalla has proven to be a valuable addition to Mr Brightside's preparation for the upcoming A$5m King Charles III Stakes at Randwick on Saturday. Mr Brightside has been enjoying a successful season, winning all three of his starts in the spring, with two coveted Group One victories in his most recent races. Notably, the gelding has been in excellent form and has maintained his brilliance even during breaks between races.
Ben, JD, and Will Hayes believed that the 6YO was in need of a trial to ensure he was at his best for the King Charles III Stakes.
"He's actually done really well between races," Ben Hayes said.
"Sometimes when they gallop, they don't always do as much as you want them to."
Mr. Brightside was sent by the trainers from their Euroa base to Benalla, which is located half an hour north, for a trial on Monday morning. Race jockey Craig Williams also travelled to Benalla in order to guide Mr. Brightside through the trial, which the four-time Group One winner comfortably won.
"It was just about getting him in a group of horses and getting him to hit the line strongly," Hayes said.
"On the line, he had his ears pricked and did what he had to do.
"He came back and he had a good blow and Craig was really happy.
"Craig hadn't seen him since he last raced and he noticed how much he'd improved in the coat."
According to Hayes, Mr Brightside will have one more gallop before departing for Sydney early next week to prepare for his upcoming race at Randwick.
"We'll give him his final piece of work on Monday and look to send him to Sydney on Monday night so he can arrive there on Tuesday," Hayes said.
"He'll do a little bit in Sydney on the Thursday and hopefully that will leave him spot-on for the race."
Mr. Brightside harbors no fears when racing in Sydney, as he has managed to accumulate a substantial sum of over A$4.3 million in earnings from this city.