Group l racing at Flemington for 2024 begins this Saturday with the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m), headlined by Mr Brightside.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes.
Market 💰: View the Odds for the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes
2024 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes Speed Map
I don’t think they are going to go quick here because there is no designated leader. I Am Unstoppable looks like he could lead, with The Astrologist close by. Imperatriz led throughout to win the Manikato but being first up, will they opt for a sit?
2024 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Private Eye: He’s a good a horse. A great horse. But for mine, he’s way too short in the market at around $5.50. I think he has eyes on longer races later on and his trials have been just fair. Yes, no Blinkers, but he has trialled better without them previously IMO. If he wins, too good, and given the lack of overall depth, he has to be respected, but as a betting proposition, he’s too short.
2. The Astrologist: Saves his best for the straight course but I do think his better days are behind him. I’d have him on a similar line of betting as Rich Fortune.
3. Bella Nipotina: I think outside of the big guns, she is the value IMO. She ran a slashing race last year in this event and looks to be ticking along beautifully towards it again. Trial/jumpout work has been strong, she goes well fresh, she beat Private Eye in the Giga Kick last year…she only runs well.
4. Imperatriz: Imperatriz…I think you just have to trust her and the runs she has on the board. Much has been made of the trial at Cranbourne and yes, she was plain, but as Mick Dee said after the trial, perhaps staying home at Cranbourne, she was comfortable and lazy in her work. She is the best sprinter in the land and she has too many credits in the bank to ignore.
5. Espiona: Espiona is a ripping mare for Chris Waller. She put it together, finally, last season, and did run very well in defeat behind Imperatriz in the Champions Sprint. Trialled very well in Sydney and jumped out here last week, moving quite well. Likely will be spotting them a start but should be very strong at the end.
6. Rich Fortune: Racing well and nearing a win but she is a Listed/Group 3 at Mares level. She isn’t a Group 1 WFA mare. $101 for mine seems gross unders. Should be much longer.
7. Cylinder: Fascinating runner. Ended last prep a tired horse with a down the track effort in the Coolmore Stud, which followed a slashing effort in The Everest. One soft trial, and Blinkers on first up says to me it’s chips in to get the Group 1. Prefer to watch though.
8. I Am Unstoppable: Gee I think I Am Unstoppable is absolutely humming. Kennewell/Yeomans trained three year old that looks to have returned in beast mode. Jumped out very well at Cranbourne before trialling there last week and I thought the way he trucked to the line…he’s going to run a beauty here I suggest and he does have a great record at the straight.
2024 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$20 Win/$80 Place I Am Unstoppable (Best Tote Win/Mid Tote Place)
Group l Strategy Outlay: $3200
Group l Strategy Return: $3625
2024 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes Odds:
