Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted 9 hours ago Journalists Share Posted 9 hours ago Mr Brightside ridden by Craig Williams winning the Futurity Stakes at Caulfield Racecourse. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Mr Brightside (-153.85) has shown his toughness and ability to hold off his rivals late in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes at Caulfield, defending his title after claiming the same race last year. The Ben, Will & JD Hayes-trained gelding claimed his ninth Group 1 success of his career, proving that he is one of Australia’s best middle-distance horses. After being heavily backed with Neds, the son of Bullbars was made to settle outside the leader, Private Life (+1200), and do it the hard way, but he proved too strong and too tough in the concluding stages. Craig Williams trusted his star galloper and what he had underneath him as he took over from the leader at the top of the home straight and kicked clear. However, the runs were coming from the back of the field, with I Wish I Win (+650) and Tom Kitten (+900) letting down with their finishing bursts. As Mr Brightside started to take shorter strides, I Wish I Win and Tom Kitten continued to lengthen, and they put in a lunge on the winning post. It was no avail as the class horse in the race held on to win in a photo finish over Tom Kitten and I Wish I Win. Click here for all of the Caulfield race replays. Will Hayes represented the winning stable, and he spoke to the media post the win. “He’s an absolute marvel, it was a terrific ride from Craig,” Hayes said. “We’re so blessed to have him in our stable and his ability to overcome a wide gate is a credit to himself. So tough. “He carries on like a three year old in the stables. He’s so sound and every time he could just get the best out of himself. To just do what he did today can’t be underrated. “It was a terrific run from Tom Kitten and I Wish I Win. “We had our heart in the mouth the last hundred because we knew we were going to be a little bit vulnerable late from the wide gate and having to work across. He really dug deep and we found that inch. “Without a doubt (going to Hong Kong). We got a Group 1 in New Zealand a week back. So we’ll continue to try for world domination.” Craig Williams also spoke about the win post-race. “Credit to him. He does all the running. The Hayes boys, Will, J D and Ben, and all the team behind, they present him to me on race days,” Williams said. “I can have all these plans and ideas, but I have the confidence in the horse knowing from all the way back to his third ever race start, they have developed him into the horse he is now. “Nine Group 1’s it’s not easy as you can see by the margin today. “He does make my job really easy, but I just know every time I ride him, I have so many options. “He stuck his head out at the winning post not forgetting he had the outside barrier draw, wide like he was the other day against some very good horses and they don’t give Group 1’s away. “It’s a really hot day, a firmer track, so credit to the horse, credit all the people behind him.” Horse racing news View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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