Australian Racing: Elms Handicap first-up for Mr Brightside

bet365 News Team Published: Feb 18 2022 18:07

Mr Brightside will warm up for his crack at the All-Star Mile today when he kicks off his preparation in the Listed Elms Handicap at Flemington.

Connections of the son of Bullbars, who is the current 3/1 favourite for Saturday's 1400-metre contest, were delighted on Wednesday when he was announced as number five of 10 in the automatic voting slots for the $5million All-Star Mile.

Now, co-trainers Ben and JD Hayes are focused on getting the four-year-old to the 19th March race in top shape, as the gelding bids for his seventh win in just 10 starts today.

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"I think he has developed and strengthened and his work at home suggests he's going as good as he was last preparation," Ben Hayes said.

"I was particularly happy with his last trial down the straight against a couple of the best sprinters in the world. I thought his work through the line was fantastic and more importantly Craig (Williams, jockey) was happy."

Hayes also said that Mr Brightside will not be expected to peak until the All-Star Mile and is planning to keep the four-year-old at 1600 metres for now.

"It would have been tempting to go for the Australian Cup, but I think the All-Star Mile is a better option at this stage," Hayes added.