Mr. Brightside showcased his resilience and determination in clinching victory in the opening Group 1 event of the autumn season at Caulfield.

The CF Orr Stakes (1400m) on Saturday unfolded as a grueling test of endurance, with the weight-for-age contest characterized by a relentless pace.

Initially slow off the mark, Mr. Brightside swiftly made up lost ground to position himself midfield, trailing by approximately six lengths behind the front-runner, Pride Of Jenni, who set the early tempo ahead of Buffalo River.

Despite trailing by a significant margin as the race entered its crucial stages, the Lindsay Park-trained runner, a prideful asset to the stable overseen by Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, refused to concede defeat. With Craig Williams urging him on, Mr. Brightside, the favored contender at $1.95, gradually closed the gap on Pride Of Jenni ($9), ultimately securing victory by a narrow margin of a short half-head, with Buffalo River ($61) finishing just a head behind in third place.

J D Hayes praised Mr. Brightside as a valuable asset for the emerging trainers embarking on their professional journeys, expressing optimism for a successful autumn campaign.

“This could mark the beginning of a promising autumn season,” Hayes remarked. “Historically, he hasn’t fared well in autumn debut races, so this victory holds special significance. He’s matured as a competitor, and we had unwavering confidence in his abilities.”

Looking ahead, Hayes outlined Mr. Brightside’s upcoming schedule, confirming plans for appearances in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) on February 24, followed by the prestigious All-Star Mile (1600m) at Caulfield on March 16, and concluding with the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington two weeks later.

“All signs point in that direction, and we remain hopeful that he’ll continue to deliver stellar performances,” Hayes added.

Reflecting on the challenging journey to the finish line, Williams emphasized the demanding nature of guiding Mr. Brightside to victory.

“He’s typically a spirited character, full of energy, which can sometimes pose a challenge,” Williams explained. “Today, he exhibited some of that cheekiness at the start, which required careful handling.”

Williams praised Mr. Brightside’s adaptability during the race, highlighting his ability to respond under pressure and exhibit a relentless drive to succeed.

“Despite facing formidable tactics from our competitors, Mr. Brightside’s resilience shone through,” Williams remarked. “He possesses an unwavering determination, and I’m eager to commend him for his outstanding performance.”