The best of the best return to headquarters this week as autumn racing starts to heat up. Take a look at your contenders for the Gr. 1 Black Caviar Lightning:
#1 Mazu (Boss: Joe Pride | Pilot: Ben Melham 58.5 kg | Barrier: 11)
Highlights: Gr. 1 Doomben 10,000 winner
Lately: Resuming off a 15-week spell, always strong first up with 2 wins when fresh.
Final thoughts: We haven’t seen him performing at his best recently. The team has put the blinkers back on, but it’s a tough ask from the wide draw of 11.
#2 Mornington Glory (Boss: Gavin Bedggood | Pilot: Ethan Brown 58.5 kg | Barrier: 9)
Highlights: Broke through for his first Group 1 win in the Moir last spring.
Lately: Resuming from a 16-week spell, has had two strong jumpouts.
Final thoughts: Back in distance, great strike rate at track/distance, surface currently suits but looks better if the rain hangs around!
#3 Joyful Fortune (Boss: Hayes Bros | Pilot: Harry Coffey 58.5 kg | Barrier: 1)
Highlights: Former Hong Kong galloper, won a listed race at Flemington since returning to Australia.
Lately: 3rd in Group 3 Standish Stakes 4 weeks ago; won a jumpout since.
Final Thoughts: Has good early speed and from barrier 1 should lead or end up in box seat, back in distance from first up run. Has every chance.
#4 Way to the Stars (Boss: Matthew Smith | Pilot: Luke Currie 58.5 kg | Barrier: 8)
Highlights: Stakes winner at Flemington has good form behind good horses.
Lately: Resuming from a 14-week spell, has had two decent trials.
Final Thoughts: Expect to go forward and race on the speed; looks tested and out of his depth here.
#5 Philosopher (Boss: Enver Jusofovic | Pilot: Michael Dee 58.5 kg | Barrier: 10)
Highlights: Listed winner last outing, always consistent.
Lately: 5th up in this, broke through to win at listed level in the W.J. Adams at Sandown last start.
Final Thoughts: First test at this level, tough ask with the wide draw but has fitness on his side.
#6 I Am Me (Boss: Ciaron Maher | Pilot: Blake Shinn 56.5 kg | Barrier: 12)
Highlights: 2x Group 2 winner, strong performances in Group 1 company too.
Lately: First up after a 15-week spell with two jumpouts.
Final Thoughts: always a consistent performer when fresh; the wide draw isn’t too much of a worry with her racing pattern—shouldn’t be overlooked.
#7 Benedetta (Boss: Jason Warren | Pilot: Daniel Stackhouse 56.5 kg | Barrier: 2)
Highlights: Group 1 Goodwood winner
Lately: Resuming off a long spell due to injury (hoof), has had 3 strong jumpouts.
Final Thoughts: Has good form at the track, blinkers go back on, and has drawn well; only concern is the speed getting away from her.
#8 Stretan Angel (Boss: Phillip Stokes | Pilot: Lachlan Neindorf 56.5 kg | Barrier: 5)
Highlights: Listed winner as a two-year-old and went on to win two Group 2s in her three-year-old season.
Lately: Resuming off a 14-week spell with a jumpout win to her name.
Final Thoughts: Generally comes to hand quickly; last run in the Gr. 1 VRC Classic deserves merit. Should get a nice run from behind the speed.
#9 Skybird (Boss: Mitchell Freedman | Pilot: John Allen 56.5 kg | Barrier 3)
Highlights: Multiple Group 2 winner with placings in Group 1 company.
Lately: First up from a 15-week spell with one trial under his belt.
Final Thoughts: Strong first-up form and dropping down in distance first up; probably wants a bit more cut in the surface, though.
#10 Growing Empire (Boss: Ciaron Maher | Pilot: Mark Zahra 55.5 kg | Barrier 6)
Highlights: The eye-catcher of Spring, Group 3 winner, and yet to miss the placings in Group 1 company.
Lately: First up from a 15-week spell, has had a jumpout and trial, winning the latter.
Final Thoughts: Looks perfectly placed here, drawn well his racing pattern, Zaz knows the horse inside and out, knocking on the door for that Group 1 win.
#11 Switzerland (Boss: Chris Waller | Pilot: James McDonald) 55.5 kg | Barrier: 7)
Highlights: Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes winner
Lately: First up from a 15-week spell, two quiet trials, and a jumpout leading into this
Final Thoughts: Looks well placed by the team first up, coming in off the back of two huge wins last prep should get a nice trail into the race, and expect that signature turn off foot home. Says a lot that JMAC is making the trip to Flemington too.
#12 Traffic Warden (Boss: James Cummings | Pilot: Jamie Melham 55.5 kg | Barrier: 4)
Highlights: Multiple Group 2 winner with strong placings in Group 1 company.
Lately: First up from a 15-week spell with a strong trial and jumpout leading into this.
Final Thoughts: Back down in distance first up was disappointing when last out but has drawn well to get a nice run behind them.
