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Black Caviar Lightning Stakes Preview

Black Caviar Lighting Stakes Preview

The Autumn racing carnival continues with the Group One Black Caviar Lightning Stakes at Flemington and Sydney's Hobartville Stakes.

The Lightning Stakes, highlighted by unbeaten four year-old Deep Field and sprint king Lankan Rupee will all but certainly come down to these two horses. Lankan Rupee is a terrific horse but will need to bring his best form to get past Deep Field.

It’s a huge leap for Deep Field in his first Group One race, but he will be backing himself down the straight at Flemington. His last win came at Flemington, so don’t expect him to be intimidated by the distance or the field. If he gets his chance down the straight, I am confident he can deliver.

The Chris Waller trained Brazen Beau will provide the closest competition, but these two horses are the clear frontrunners. Deep Field has the form, securing five impressive victories in his five starts, whilst Lankan Rupee is chasing his fourth Group One victory at Flemington.

Having said that, I am tipping Lankan Rupee to get the win. His sprinting ability provides a clear advantage in a race like this and will be tough to beat.

Meanwhile in Sydney, the Hobartville Stakes sees one of the best and deepest fields in a long time, with potentially five or six horses in the running. We have four Group One winners in this race, so it will be a tough one to pick.

Scissor Kick is a great chance, although he must navigate past an awkward barrier. If he can get around, expect him to be charging home.

Despite the talent level in this race, I’m sticking with Hallowed Crown, a proven performer over the 1400m distance, however keep an eye on Kermadec. If a horse is going to cause an upset it will be him.

The 1400m distance will be an issue for some of these horses especially Delectation, who has only ever run over 1200m. The step up to 1400m will be the crucial test.

Seven's coverage will lead by Ryan Phelan along with racing expert and 16-time Group 1 winning jockey Simon Marshall. They will also be joined by 15-time Group 1 winning jockey Dwayne Dunn on the panel.

Saturday February 21

Melbourne - 2pm LIVE on 7TWO

Sydney - 2pm LIVE on 7TWO

Brisbane - 1pm LIVE on 7TWO

Adelaide - 1.30pm LIVE on 7TWO

Perth - 11am LIVE on 7TWO