Mr Brightside steps up to Group One level

[Wandering Eyes]

Brothers Ben and JD Hayes are slowly starting to put their stamp on Lindsay Park having taken over the reins following the departures of their father David and cousin Tom Dabernig.

The pair has trained 46 winners since joining forces in June and have three Listed race winners on their record, but it is a Group One race that they crave.

Since taking over the stable, the Hayes brothers have saddled Aysar (Deep Field) and Port Guillaume (Le Havre) at Group 1 level, but both failed to fill a place.

However, Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) looks their best chance to date when he runs in the Gr.1 Cantala Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Mr Brightside has been posted the $4.40 favourite with TAB to extend his winning streak to seven with Craig Williams to again ride the gelding.

Lindsay Park has likened Mr Brightside to one of their former Group 1 winners He’s Our Rokkii (NZ) (Roc De Cambes) and were happy to take their time with the son of Bullbars.

But after racing through his class, getting to Listed grade with his most recent win in the Seymour Cup (1600m) on October 10, Lindsay Park thought it was time to have a shot at the highest level.

And the form from the Seymour Cup, while not Group level, has proven strong with runner-up Wicklow Town (Canford Cliffs) winning at The Valley and third placegetter Milton Park (Written Tycoon) claiming the Sale Cup.

“Now is the time and we’re really excited about him,” Ben Hayes said.

“He hasn’t put a foot wrong the whole prep and hopefully he gets it right in the Grand Final.

“We were keeping him under wraps, but I think it is now time to release the brakes with him after six wins in a row.

“He gets in with the minimum weight. It looks a very winnable race for him this year with his form, so we’ve got to go for it, I think.”

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