Australia’s premier velocity trial is the Black Caviar Lightning, where Flemington’s Saturday showdown will delineate superiority in a generation commanding focus.
The 1000-metre Group 1 welcomes back Marhoona (prior Golden Slipper), Beiwacht (Golden Rose record), and Tentyris (Coolmore Stud Stakes hero).
Same-season Group 1 takers of Slipper, Golden Rose, Coolmore meet here for the first post-elevation occasion.
Lightning follows naturally for many Coolmore champs, less for the Slipper or Rose.
No other Group 1 Golden Rose winner save Exosphere raced it at three; Crystal Lily/Stratum only Slipper winners back next year since ’90.
2011 saw Crystal Lily fifth to Black Caviar; Stratum fifth to Takeover Target in 2006.
Lightning honors three Slipper winners, latest Storm Queen 1967.
Boys (15) outnumber girls (9) among three-year-old Lightning winners; after 98-05 six-of-eight tear, Home Affairs ’21, Coolangatta ’23 only.
Century: six 3yo wins/72 starts vs. nine market picks.
Home Affairs sole non-peak Timeform entrant, hit 126 (tied top 3yo century), 1lb off 127 Coolmore.
72 saw 22 (30%) match/exceed prior best; avg -8lbs.
Marhoona’s 117 Golden Slipper needs boost – no <118 Lightning win post-2002 Spinning Hill 114.
Beiwacht 123 Rose, Tentyris 124+ Coolmore beat 122.2 10yr avg since BC/LR 130+.
Against My Gladiola (112), Military Tycoon (103), Giga Kick (122 x2 spring), scant regression tolerance; dive into betting markets for the race now.
Giga Kick: 122 in Oct 11 Caulfield G2 1100m Schillaci, same in Flem G1 1200m Champions Sprint.
Baraqiel (120), Benedetta (116) G1 peaks round it out.
The post a-closer-look-black-caviar-lightning/882124 first appeared on Just Horse Racing.