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Team Hayes’ cult galloper Mr Brightside was back to his sensational best second-up at Caulfield on Blue Diamond Stakes Day successfully defending his title in the 2025 Futurity Stakes results.
The seven-year-old son of Bullbars won back the love of the punters after a narrow loss fresh at the same track and trip in the CF Orr to return to winning form for his second success in the Group 1 $750,000 Futurity Stakes (1400m).
Mr B took his career earnings to just shy of $17 million with the odds-on $1.70 favourite posting a narrow win right on the line over Godolphin’s returning four-year-old Tom Kitten, who made up all the late ground from a long way back at the home turn, with the Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman trained I Wish I Win also brave first-up in third only 0.3 lengths back in a blanket Futurity Stakes trifecta.
“To see him win like that and just get in, it’s not good for the heart, but so proud of him,” co-trainer Ben Hayes told Racing.com post-win.
The win was officially Mr Brightside’s ninth Group 1 success with the Craig Williams‘ ridden WFA hero becoming the first back-to-back Futurity champ since Niconero (2008-09).
“It’s a long week but we’re just so passionate about this guy and we know he’s good enough and he’s shown it here and he’s the most important horse that we’ve ever been involved with,” Hayes said.
“For him to continue and keep winning – that’s his ninth (Group 1 victory) and he’s also won an All-Star Mile and that’s Group 1 now so you could technically say 10.
“He’s one of Lindsay Park and its whole history’s best horses so we’re so lucky to have him.”
It was another outstanding ride by big race specialist Williams who had Mr Brightside posted second at the 600m on the outside of the front runner Private Life before hitting the lead at the top of the straight.
They came for him late in an exciting finish, but the warhorse had just enough in the tank to hold off the challengers and continue his outstanding Caulfield 1400m record.
“He’s an absolute marvel, it was a terrific ride from Craig,” fellow trainer Will 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.
“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.”
Williams was also full of praise after jumping off the now dual Futurity Stakes champ.
“He’s a great horse. He’s always a great product,” he said.
“We can’t do this unless we’ve got the right product. If you have a look at his rating, I think he’s lost three rating points through his whole career.
“It’s quite phenomenal and now it’s made him into the horse that he is.
“He’s an absolute powerhouse. Nine Group 1 wins and they don’t give them away.
“I could find a bit more of a margin if I could do things that I want. I’ll have a discussion with the boys, and they’ll do the right thing.”
Ben Hayes confirmed plans for another shot at the now Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington on March 8, a race Mr Brightside won at Moonee Valley back in March 2023.
“Of course we’ll have a go,” he said of another The All-Star Mile bid.
“He’ll improve a lot from today and all he needs is a nice barrier.
“He’s due one, he’s drawn wide both runs his prep.
“If he gets a soft run where he doesn’t have to roll forward and lead, he’s a much better chaser and he’ll be right in it.”
Current all-in 2025 The All-Star Mile odds at Ladbrokes.com.au have Mr Brightside as the $3.50 favourite.
2025 Futurity Stakes Results
| 1. Mr Brightside (11) J: Craig Williams59kg 241x2T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | ||
| 4. Tom Kitten (2) J: Ben Melham59kg 5243xT: James Cummings | ||
| 2. I Wish I Win (3) J: Jamie Melham59kg x530xT: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | ||
| 11. Evaporate (8) J: Michael Dee55.5kg 139x3T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | ||
| 7. Freedom Rally (4) J: Jye McNeil59kg 832x8T: Tony Gollan | ||
| 5. Light Infantry Man (5) J: Ethan Brown59kg 7101xT: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 6. Pinstriped (6) J: Ben Allen59kg 376x9T: Enver Jusufovic | ||
| 3. Pericles (1) J: Blake Shinn59kg 3491xT: James Cummings | ||
| 8. Super Smink (7) J: Billy Egan57kg 13937T: Daniel Morton | ||
| 10. Private Life (10) J: Damian Lane55.5kg 415x4T: Chris Waller |
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