Nominations for the 2011 Lightning Stakes, Australia’s sole Group 1 showdown over 1000m, have been released in anticipation of this Saturday’s sprint feature at Flemington with Black Caviar, Hay List and Crystal Lily heading the star-studded list of early entries.

In a rematch punters and racing fans around Australia have been waiting for, Peter Moody’s undeniable sprint queen Black Caviar will again take on boom galloper Hay List in the $750,000 Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m).

Super consistent five-year-old Hay List first came up against unbeaten Bel Esprit mare Black Caviar in the Patinack Farm Classic at Flemington’s Emirates Stakes Day last spring.

However, after an injury-marred lead-up to the big event Hay List could only manage to finish a distant sixth beaten 11 ½ lengths by Black Caviar.

Hay List was initially set to resume racing in the Group 2 Expressway Stakes at Rosehill on February 5 but was withdrawn due to an elevated temperature.

His new first-up assignment in the Lightning Stakes is a tough one as he again comes face-to-face with the freakish talent of Black Caviar.

After her stunning spring campaign that resulted in three emphatic Group victories, Black Caviar is out to keep her perfect race record intact in the Lightning Stakes.

Having won all eight of her race starts to date, Black Caviar will line-up in just her second Group 1 start on Saturday.

Punters can bet that she will dominate the Lightning Stakes betting and start odds-on favourite at bookies around the country including Luxbet.

The other top-line entry in this year’s Lightning Stakes entries is Golden Slipper winner Crystal Lily.

Speedy Stratum filly Crystal Lily was engaged to race first-up in the Listed WJ Adams at Caulfield a fortnight ago.

However after the Caulfield meet was a washout and the race was not rescheduled, connections including co-trainers Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra decided to save Crystal Lily for the Lightning Stakes.

Other notable 2011 Lightning Stakes nominees that will be looking for an upset on Saturday if accepted include Gerald Ryan’s Fastnet Rock colt Hinchinbrook, Peter Moody’s smart Group winning mare Set For Fame, improving South Australian galloper Sterling Grove and up-and-coming Octagonal filly Warm Love.

The 2011 Lightning Stakes final field and barrier draw will be released this Wednesday and published here at Races.com.au along with a detailed race preview and our insider Lightning Stakes tips so stay tuned.

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2011 Lightning Stakes Field

*Your free bet can be wagered on any fixed odds market with a dividend of $1.50 or greater.
Note: Odds are subject to change and correct at time of publication 10:30AM AEDST 18/02/2011.

2011 Coolmore Lightning Stakes Nominations