He hasn’t been seen since a narrow defeat in the Gr. 1 Cantala Stakes (1600m) at Flemington last October, but Ben Hayes says Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) is doing just fine ahead of his return to the track.

The four-year-old gelding is right in the thick of the votes for The All-Star Mile and seems a top chance to get a start in the $5 million Flemington fan-voted feature on March 19.

“There’s a race on the 19th of February we’re looking at kicking him off, the Elms Handicap (1400m, Flemington),” said Hayes, who trains in partnership with his brother JD.

“I think he’ll definitely be very, very competitive.”

Mr Brightside’s Flemington record has the Lindsay Park team buoyed with confidence that the son of Bullbars can match it with the likes of race fancies Zaaki (Leroidesanimaux) and I’m Thunderstruck (NZ) (Shocking).

“Every time he’s raced at that track, he’s finished in the top four,” Hayes said.

“Zaaki and all those are obviously very well-performed horses at Group 1 level, but he showed last prep he’s up to that, he was only narrowly beaten in the Cantala.

“He didn’t do much wrong last preparation and it was a building prep, he went through the grades beautifully.”

Hayes has been pleased with his galloper’s time off and says Mr Brightside has come back in ominous condition.

“I think he’s mentally matured a lot from his first proper preparation coming into this prep,” Hayes said.

“He’s had a short little break and we’re very happy with the way he’s going.

“He’s put on some really good condition; he’s got a trial next Friday at Flemington.

“I think he’ll trial really well the way he’s working at home. All his work at the moment’s really pleasing us.”