Australia’s sprinting queen Black Caviar kicked off her autumn carnival campaign in brilliant style this morning claiming a devastating trial win at Caulfield, further strengthening her claims to score a first-up victory in the $750,000 Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on February 19.

Peter Moody’s Bel Esprit mare Black Caviar remains unbeaten in her sensational career to date following an impressive spring for the four-year-old.

Success in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1000m), Group 2 Schweppes Stakes (1200m) and then the Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic (1200m) last season bought Black Caviar’s imposing record up to eight wins from as many starts for over $1.24 million in prize money.

This morning at Caulfield Black Caviar again displayed her dominance with a blistering seven length trial win.

Moody is planning a bumper autumn / winter for his stable star with an incredible six Group 1 assignments on the card for Black Caviar.

Set to run first-up in the Lightning Stakes, Black Caviar will then progress on to tackle races including the:

• $1 million Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 12
• $500,000 Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on March 25
• $1 million Group 1 T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on April 9
• $400,000 Group 1 BTC Cup (1200m) at Doomben on May 14
• $650,000 Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1350m) at Doomben on May 28

“I’m happy to report that she’s in great shape and looks tremendous for her upcoming assignments,” Moody said at the Melbourne Festival of Racing launch yesterday.

Already Black Caviar is dominating the futures betting markets for the 2011 Newmarket Handicap, installed as the short-priced $2.40 favourite at Luxbet for the Flemington Super Saturday of Racing feature.

In the 2011 Lightning Stakes Black Caviar will again face off with the giant Hay List.

Hay List finished 11 ½ lengths away from Black Caviar when they faced off in the Patinack Farm Classic.

The Statue Of Liberty gelding, however, was not in peak fitness for the clash and to write Hay List off for the Lightning Stakes this early would be futile.

Other notable horses heading towards the Lightning Stakes this year include Golden Rose winner Crystal Lily, Gerald Ryan’s promising Fastnet Rock colt Hinchinbrook and improving Adelaide galloper Stirling Grove.

Nominations for the 2011 Coolmore Lightning Stakes are released on Monday February 14.

To back Black Caviar to win first-up in the Lightning Stakes at the best odds in Australia, make sure you join thousands of other winning punters by opening an account with leading online bookie Luxbet now!

Photo courtesy (c) Taron Clarke Photography