Mr Brightside brave in defeat in All-Star Mile at Flemington

Ben Hayes declared Mr Brightside would bounce back after another “frustrating” second in the All-Star Mile, with the champ set for one more run before a potential Hong Kong tilt.

Gilbert Gardiner

@gilbertgardiner

less than 2 min read

March 8, 2025 - 7:58PM

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Mr Brightside (right) was denied again in the All-Star Mile. Picture: George Sal/Racing Photos via Getty Images

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Trainer Ben Hayes lamented Mr Brightside being a “sitting duck” in the All-Star Mile on Saturday at Flemington.

Hayes, who trains in partnership with brothers JD and Will, declared the nine-time Group 1 and 2023 All-Star Mile champion would bounce back.

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“He was absolutely cruising today, unfortunately, he was a sitting duck again,” Hayes said.

“He’ll draw a barrier soon, he’ll be the stalker and he’ll turn it around.”

Godolphin star Tom Kitten had the drop on Mr Brightside and wore down the favourite late for a short half-head win.

• Tom Kitten pounces to victory in All-Star Mile thriller

“It was just the way the race worked out,” Hayes said.

“He was the sitting duck and there to be chased down, which doesn’t suit him.

“There wasn’t much else I don’t think (jockey) Craig (Williams) could’ve done.

“He’s run second in an All-Star Mile and he was beaten that far. That’s racing.

“I know my brothers will be frustrated, we’re all frustrated, but we’ve still got a great horse on our hands and he’s going so well. He’ll bounce back, he always does.”

Tom Kitten is an All-Star! âï¸ pic.twitter.com/R4nABv7QSf
â€” Racing.com (@Racing) March 8, 2025

Mr Brightside will now be aimed at the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) in Sydney in two weeks before a potential Hong Kong raid next month for the Champions Mile (1600m).

Another Wil, second favourite on Saturday, finished fourth after a luckless run in transit.

He travelled behind the leader and was pocketed at the top of the straight.

Jockey Jamie Melham hunted for clear air but then lost all momentum when Another Wil clipped heels and blundered at the 150m.

Trainer Ciaron Maher said the Australian Cup or Doncaster Mile would be considered for Another Wil.

“He clipped heels and was lucky to stay up,” Maher said.

“He’s probably the best horse in the race and didn’t get the best opportunity.”

Originally published as Mr Brightside brave in defeat in All-Star Mile at Flemington