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Group 1 racing continues at HQ on Saturday when some of the world's best sprinters chase glory in the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes.
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What this field might lack in size, it certainly makes up for in quality, with the likes of Imperatriz, Bella Nipotina and Private Eye confirmed alongside a couple of intriguing three-year-old acceptors.
Won by some of the best sprinters ever to be saddled, including its namesake on three-consecutive occasions, the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes is one of the Autumn Carnival's most sought-after prizes, and we're set for another thrilling contest this weekend.
Check out my full runner-by-runner Black Caviar Lightning Stakes preview below.
2024 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes Betting Strategy
► 4 Units Imperatriz (Win)
► 1 Unit Private Eye (Win)
1 – Private Eye (8)
Private Eye has developed into one of Australia's most consistent sprinters in recent seasons and rates as a live chance again first-up in the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes.
Having one the Epsom Handicap over a mile at Randwick back in 2021, the Al Maher gelding has almost exclusively raced in sprint features since, picking off some nice races and finding form around some of the world's best.
Having won The Shorts at this point of his last prep before filling the minors in both The Everest and the Giga Kick Stakes, he looks to be a key threat to Imperatriz this week.
2 – The Astrologist (7)
It has been a short while since The Astrologist has won a race, but he loves the Flemington straight and steps out third-up from a spell.
The multiple Group 1 placegetter spent much of the 2023 season aboard in the UK and finished second in both the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan and in a Group 3 sprint at Haydock most notably.
He was well beaten in each of his first two runs back this time and faces a huge rise in class this week.
3 – Bella Nipotina (6)
It is incredible to think that Bella Nipotina has won just one Group 1 feature race during her illustrious career, particularly in considering she has won just shy of $8 million.
The Pride Of Dubai mare turned in some typically gallant efforts during her recent spring preparation, winning the lucrative Giga Kick Stakes most notably, while she was last seen finishing fifth, beaten two lengths by Imperatriz in the VRC Sprint.
She's a multiple winner first-up from a break, but she will certainly improve for whatever she does manage on Saturday.
4 – Imperatriz (2)
Imperatriz could be the best sprinter in the world at the moment, and she is a fitting favourite in 2024 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes betting.
Having dominated over in New Zealand at the beginning of her career, Imperatriz announced herself to the Australian racing community by winning the William Reid at The Valley last autumn, before returning in spring for four-consecutive wins, three of which at Group 1 level.
A recent trial left a little to the imagination and if there is a race in which she could be a little vulnerable, it is probably this one, but she well and truly has the runs on the board and is clearly still the one to beat.
5 – Espiona (4)
Five-year-old Espiona resumes following another quality spring preparation that heralded more success in featured company.
Having finally realised her Group 1 potential in March's Coolmore Classic, the Extreme Choice mare added the Golden Pendant and The Invitation to her CV most notably in spring, ending her prep fourth in the VRC Sprint.
There is no doubt that Espiona typically finds her best form in mares' company, and while she has won at this point of her preparation previously, she's a horse that tends to enjoy sharp improvement into her second-up targets.
6 – Rich Fortune (1)
A quality galloper, but a rank outsider in the 2024 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes.
Rich Fortune has raced consistently this time in without winning any of her four starts, but fitness is one thing that she does have on her side.
Nothing short of a career-best performance would be required for her to compete.
7 – Cylinder (5)
One of two three-year-olds in the 2024 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes field, a Group 1 victory hasn't appeared beyond Cylinder since he made his debut, and he'll have conditions to suit on Saturday.
The Exceed And Excel colt hit the ground running during his two-year-old season, winning a couple of Group 2 sprints before finishing second in the Golden Slipper.
He returned in the spring for consecutive black type victories before filling the minors in the Golden Rose, while his only other run in open company to date was an enormous one, and saw him finish just over a length fifth in The Everest.
A repeat of that performance would see him into the finish again, and Cylinder's fresh record is outstanding.
8 – I Am Unstoppable (3)
Having returned arguably a career-best performance to finish second in the Coolmore Stud Stakes at the end of spring, I completely understand why trainers Lloyd Kennewell and Lucy Yeomans would saddle up I Am Unstoppable in a Black Cavar Lightning Stakes.
The three-year-old son of I Am Invincible has made just six appearances at the races so far, but he has won twice and placed on every other occasion, winning in Listed company most notably.
He's proven down the straight and gets into the race well under the conditions, but he would surely need to go to another level to knock off some of these.
