Mr Brightside may miss Flemington as trainers weigh autumn return

Lindsay Park is weighing another break for Mr Brightside rather than a Flemington start, with trainer Ben Hayes putting his chances of contesting the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile at 50-50. A decision will wait until acceptances.

Hayes said the ownership group would be consulted before settling on whether the 10-time Group 1 winner races or rests ahead of autumn. Mr Brightside is likely to be nominated, but his condition closer to acceptance time will help determine the next step.

The gelding was second in a Flemington jump-out following his last-place finish behind Pride Of Jenni in the Feehan Stakes at Caulfield on 27 September. Hayes considered the trial adequate and said Mr Brightside had come through it without problems.

An operation to remove a bone chip prevented an autumn campaign earlier in the year. Since returning, he has raced three times, beginning with a Memsie Stakes second on soft ground before jarring up in the Makybe Diva Stakes.

Retirement has been raised with the owners, Hayes said, and autumn could be the horse’s final campaign. He described the rising 10-year-old as sound and happy after 51 starts, but said any indication of a problem would lead to retirement.

Hayes said stopping now would provide a longer spell, which might benefit Mr Brightside before an autumn return.