The prospect of a Good track and another testing bout with star mare Pride Of Jenni seems to have done little to dent the confidence of Lindsay Park, who couldn’t be happier with champion galloper Mr Brightside.
Relatively dry weather is predicted for the seven-year-old’s third-straight Cox Plate tilt, but Ben Hayes says it’s business as usual.
“We’re not worried (about conditions), he came second in the Cox Plate on a Good 3 last year, the surface here is very different to Caulfield, there’s a bit more give in it – he’ll be fine,” he said.
“He’s ready to go … we’re hoping he’s ready to peak on the big day.
“You’d be crazy to think he’s not going to be in the finish.”
Mr Brightside will race in winkers again, with Hayes reporting he hopes the gear tinker can provide the required edge to avenge last year’s narrow and heartbreaking defeat.
“We’re hoping that’s the one-percenter that can get that extra length, he’s won a couple of Group 1s with winkers on before so that was the thinking behind it,” Hayes said.
“We were really happy, we worked him in company with Poifect, he settled in behind with Craig (Williams) aboard.
“For a final piece of work, couldn’t be happier.”
Speaking while returning to the mounting yard on horseback, Williams reported Mr Brightside had pulled up brilliantly from his final gallop.
“He’s in really good order, you can’t hear him blow so that’s a really good sign,” Williams said.
“He was very enthusiastic in his work.”