Trainers Ben, JD, and Will Hayes have elected to bypass Hong Kong with Mr Brightside in favour of the spelling paddock.

The New Zealand-bred son of Bullbars had another pleasing spring, winning three and runner-up in three of his six starts this preparation.

He made the perfect start when winning the Gr.2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in August before adding the Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) and Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) to his winning haul.

A trip to Sydney then beckoned where he was runner-up behind Fangirl in the Gr.1 King Charless III Stakes (1600m) before returning to Melbourne and posting the same result in the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) and Gr.1 Champions Mile (1600m).

The Hong Kong International meeting on December 10 at Sha Tin was a major drawcard, however, the Lindsay Park team have elected to send their star to the spelling paddock in preparation for autumn racing.

“After discussion with the team, we have decided Mr Brightside will head straight to the paddock for a well-deserved break and won't be going to HK for the Intl. Races,” Lindsay Park said on X, formerly known as twitter.

“We look forward to Mr B returning for his autumn campaign and are so proud of all he has achieved this spring.”