The 2014 Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes headlines a strong Flemington card this weekend and will see a return to the track for the first time in 2014 for several leading contenders.

Classy four-year-old Samaready produced a memorable 2013 Spring campaign, Claiming the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1200m) before suffering an exercise-induced haemorrhage partway through the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m), bringing a less-than-ideal end to his season.

Having taken comfortably to her time in the spelling paddock and producing a strong warm-up hit-out last week, Samaready is the undoubted Punters’ pick leading into the 2014 Lightning Stakes, currently offering a quote of $3.30 and registering as the undoubtable market mover.

Will Samaready perform from the outset and score a huge first-up Group 1 victory? Or will one of the highly-rated two-year-olds silence all critics?

1^st

Bernabeu ($6.50)

Ending his 2013 Spring preparation with a resounding victory in the Flemington Fling (1000m) on Melbourne Cup day, talented three-year-old Bernabeu appears to be in scintillating form ahead of his 2014 competitive debut after comfortably beating Lightning Stakes opponent Shamexpress in a Flemington jump out last week. Having scored two impressive wins in only six starts to date, the Fastnet Rock gelding offers punters incredible value at $6.50.

2^nd

Samaready ($3.30)

Jockey Craig Newitt will retain the ride on classy mare Samaready, having partnered the daughter of More Than Ready in all of her previous nine starts which have included six victories. While wary of the talented field confirmed for this weekend’s Group 1 feature, Newitt is confident the class of Samaready coupled with a good preparation and big race experience will be enough to deliver a great first-up result.

3^rd

Boomwaa ($14)

Having not featured a two-year-old since Clever Zoe lined up on the famous Flemington straight in 1993, the 2014 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes will feature not one, but two two-year-olds in Bugatty and talented gelding Boomwaa. Having outlined this event as a major target for the son of Mutawaajid late last year, trainer Robbie Laing has a high opinion of Boomwaa and believes the youngster is more than a chance in the weekend’s major event.

Do you agree with our tips? Currently, only four competitors feature at a quote less than $10, with Shamexpress ($7.50) and Snitzerland ($4.40) joining Samaready and Bernabeu as early favourites amongst punters.

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