Seven sprinters have been confirmed in the final field for Saturday’s featured 2016 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington; offering punters exceptional value from a betting standpoint and several key opportunities to place a winning wager.

Chautauqua is the Races.com.au pick to win Saturday’s Black Caviar Lightning Stakes at Flemington. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Three-year-old Exosphere has opened as and maintained status as outright $2.50 favourite in 2016 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes betting markets with Ladbrokes.com.au ahead of Chautauqua ($2.60) and Delectation ($8).

Will Exosphere justify favouritism and win the 2016 Lightning Stakes or will one of his talented rivals find the line in the clear?

1^st

Chautauqua ($2.60)

Two-time Group 1 champion Chautauqua has reportedly taken plenty of benefit from his time away from racing and will be exceptionally hard to beat in the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes first-up. Posting an impressive career total of nine wins and seven minors through his eighteen career starts so far, the Encosta De Lago gelding resumed in spring for consecutive wins in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1000m) and Group 2 Gilgai Stakes (1200m) before producing arguably a career-best performance to date to win the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m). While unlucky to lose by the bob of a head in the Group 1 Darley Classic (1200m) on November 7^th, Chautauqua is proven at the class and distance and should receive a great run from barrier 2.

2^nd

Terravista ($8.50)

Terravista has been a strong and consistent performer for Joe Pride through recent seasons, absolutely flies fresh and has been confirmed to be partnered by champion hoop Damien Oliver in the 2016 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes. A Group 1 winner having taken out the 2014 edition of the Darley Classic, the Captain Rio gelding returning in spring for success in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m), and while failing to fire when seventh in the Manikato Stakes, responded with a close third in his defence of the Darley Classic. 58.5kgs should not prove an issue for Terravista over 1000m and he arguably offers punters the best value for money at current Lightning Stakes odds.

3^rd

Japonisme ($10)

One of two for Chris Waller in the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes field, Japonisme is a Group 1 winner down the Flemington straight and has been charged with carrying only 55.5kgs. Japonisme posted several impressive results through the early stages of the recent Spring Carnival including a maiden black type win in the Group 2 San Domenico Stakes (1100m), but faded late for fourth in the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) and returned to the paddock for a brief freshen up. Returning for third in the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m), the Choisir gelding produced a monumental turn of foot to beat the likes of Exosphere to the line in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) most recently on October 31^st.

Do you agree with our 2016 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes tips? Open an account at Ladbrokes.com.au and have your say with the best odds available online!