Mr Brightside will sport blinkers for the first time in his career as he lines up for Saturday’s Group 1 Champions Mile at Flemington.
Co-trainer Ben Hayes made the decision after the gelding impressed during a strong workout on Monday.
While there were previous discussions about using blinkers, including before the Cox Plate, the horse has worn winkers instead in his previous starts. This gear change comes in Mr Brightside’s 40th career start.
Hayes believes the blinkers will help Mr Brightside travel more strongly throughout the race, noting, “We worked him on Monday, and he was nice and strong on the bridle … It was a good opportunity to try them.”
Following a fourth-place finish in the Cox Plate, Mr Brightside has shown no signs of fatigue and appears in top form for his sixth run of the campaign. He returns to the mile distance, where he has found previous success, including a Group 1 win in the Makybe Diva Stakes.
The rivalry with Pride Of Jenni continues, with both horses rated as $5.50 equal favourites for the Champions’ Mile. “They have a great rivalry. She’s a great mare and a great competitor,” Hayes remarked.
Mr Brightside’s spring campaign has included runner-up finishes in the Feehan Stakes and Might And Power Stakes, adding anticipation to his debut with blinkers in Saturday’s highly competitive field.
