The Valley Preview: Hayes Bright Over Star Galloper’s Chances

Lindsay Park trainer Ben Hayes is buoyant about the chances of his star galloper Mr Brightside in the Group 2 Feehan Stakes at The Valley on Saturday.

Hayes admitted he wasn’t going out on a limb as Mr Brightside looked the obvious selection.

“He’s only in a small field of six. A lot of his rivals are starting their preparation and he’s got fitness on his side,” Hayes said.

“He should get a lovely run and I’m expecting him to be very hard to beat,” he said.

Mr Brightside captured the Group 1 Doncaster in April before being spelled. He resumed with an impressive performance to win the Group 2 Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield in August.

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Playup has him as a $1.95 favourite. He has won eight of his 14 starts and will again be ridden by regular jockey Craig Williams.

If he can win he will secure a Golden Ticket into the Cox Plate and also be in line for a $1 million bonus if he can win the Valley feature double.

There has been good support for the Warrnambool-trained Earlswood who has firmed into being a clear second favourite at $4.00.

The Maddi Raymond-trained galloper won his Australian debut last February when he was successful first-up in the Carlyon Stakes at Caulfield.

The Group 3 Irish winner will again be ridden by Damian Lane.

Peter Moody’s import Spanish Mission who finished third in last year’s Melbourne Cup is being set again for that event and will also kick off his campaign in the Feehan Stakes.

Mr Brightside Prices

• Playup – $1.95
• TopSport – $1.90

Earlswood Prices

• Playup – $4.00
• TopSport – $3.90