Black Caviar
Seeking to stretch her sensational succession of wins to nine in the $750,000 Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) this afternoon, Black Caviar has firmed right into the $1.35 odds-on favourite in the Lighting Stakes odds at Luxbet.
Just nine rivals remain to try and knock the queen off her throne in the Lightning Stakes field following the early scratching of #8 Stirling Grove this morning.
Since betting opened on the Lightning Stakes, scheduled to run as Flemington Race 6 at 4:10pm (AEDST), odds on all the other runners have drifted out.
Black Caviar is the only one they want today and for obvious reasons.
The only other horse at single figure odds to claim an upset Lightning Stakes result is explosive galloper Hay List paying $5 through Luxbet.
There is no doubting the quality of Hay List, a winner of 12 of his 15 race starts, and punters are best to ignore his last clash with Black Caviar.
Back on Emirates Stakes Day last year Hay List finished a disappointing 11th behind Black Caviar in the Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic (1200m) beaten 11 ½ lengths.
Hay List, however, was suffering from a poor preparation having injured his leg in the lead-up and spectators will see a different and far superior performance from the five-year-old today.
Further improving Black Caviar’s claims to keep her faultless record intact this afternoon is the Flemington track conditions.
With less than expected rain falling over Melbourne overnight, Flemington Racecourse remains a Dead track with only a smattering of clouds around this morning.
Black Caviar has started three times on a Dead track for three wins.
Hay List’s Dead track record sits at two wins from three attempts, his only defeat being in the Patinack.
Punters aren’t touching any of the other Lightning Stakes hopefuls, but there are three placings to fill and soon the Races.com.au team will be publishing our Lightning Stakes Place & Roughie Picks so stay tuned.
In the meantime make sure you’re ready for Flemington Race 6 by opening your account with leading online bookmaker Luxbet now!
Photo courtesy (c) Taron Clarke Photography
