Mr Brightside is lining up in his fourth All-Star Mile, a pop-up contest created by Racing Victoria in 2017. Since then, it has undergone several iterations, including a $1.5 million drop in prizemoney.
The Hayes-trained seven-year-old gelding finished fourth of 15 behind Zaaki in 2022, first of 15 in 2023 and second of 12 behind Pride Of Jenni last year.
Another Wil, left, edged out Mr Brightside in last month’s group 1 Orr Stakes at Caulfield.Credit: Getty Images
In that same time, Mr Brightside has seen off rivalries with Alligator Blood, I’m Thunderstruck and Pride Of Jenni. In many ways, he has been the banner horse of the race.
Adding to intrigue is that Hayes believes this year’s edition is equal to any they have contested in the past, especially now it is void of “roadblocks” – lowly rated horses that were voted into the field by the public under the previous conditions of the race.
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“Look at the top races around the world – a lot of the top races are small but compressed fields,” Hayes said.
“This race, we have got some of the best horses in the country in it, and there’s no horse really that should not be in the race. I think it is better.”
Maher, who trains second favourite Another Wil and group 1-winning stablemate Light Infantry Man, agrees.
“I think they have done a good job not filling it up with horses that are not good enough,” he said.
“There’s nothing worse than having good horses in a race that you’ve got a heap of other horses that might get in their way. You are better off having a smaller, select field.”
Maher believes this All-Star Mile would have been elevated to an even greater level if last year’s winner Pride Of Jenni had recovered in time to take her place in the field, having been sent for an extended spell after suffering a bleeding attack during last year’s spring carnival.
Leading Australian trainer Ciaron Maher.Credit: Getty Images
“If she’s in there, it’s a pretty mouth-watering race,” he said.
Despite her absence, Maher is still confident he can win his second successive All-Star Mile with either last-start group 1 winner Another Wil or the Flemington-loving Light Infantry Man.
“I am rapt with both horses,” he said.
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Maher might be confident, but to claim the title he will have to go through Mr Brightside – the most successful group 1 winner in Lindsay Park’s history.
“He’s been racing at the top level for nearly three seasons and that’s what makes him a champion,” Hayes said.
“He’s more than capable of winning this group 1 on Saturday. He’s favourite for a reason, and he’s got a great third-up record.
“We expect him to get the job done, and he’s never let us down.”
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