Three-year-old fillies will take a leading role in the Feb. 14 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (G1) at Flemington Racecourse, with My Gladiola, Military Tycoon, and 2025 Golden Slipper (G1) winner Marhoona headlining the younger brigade in the eight-horse, 1,000-meter (about 5-furlong) sprint.
The Michael Freedman-trained Marhoona has been based at Flemington for just over a week as she builds towards her autumn return. The filly resumed in the spring with a Heritage Stakes win prior to a third placing in the Roman Consul Stakes (G2). Freedman said Marhoona had returned in strong order following a grounding that included a trial win at Randwick Racecourse Jan. 27, with unbeaten star Autumn Glow second.
"I think she's come back great," Freedman said. "Slipper-winning fillies aren't easy to place, especially the ones that are more sprinting types. She's already a group 1 winner so we want to try to line her up in races that can only potentially enhance her page, so we had a chat about it and thought we'd have a crack at the Lightning."
Freedman is unconcerned about Marhoona stepping onto the Flemington straight for the first time, with Michael Dee taking the ride after Craig Williams was ruled out through suspension.
"We had Craig Williams booked, but he is suspended on Saturday, so we had to make a bit of a late change," Freedman said.
Beiwacht set for Godolphin clash
Chris Waller and Godolphin have sent Beiwacht to Melbourne to gain experience down the Flemington straight ahead of a potential overseas campaign later in the year. Beiwacht is set to line up in the Lightning, where he will clash with fellow Godolphin 3-year-old, the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Tentyris. Both colts are also slated to contest the Newmarket Handicap (G1) March 7 and could be bound for a possible trip to Royal Ascot in June.
The pair met previously down the Flemington straight in the Coolmore Stud Stakes (G1) last November, when Tentyris prevailed and Beiwacht finished fourth. That performance followed Beiwacht's explosive Golden Rose (G1) victory at Rosehill in September. Waller said the colt was ready to go after a positive gallop at Flemington last week.
"Darren (Beadman) went down to watch it, and he gave us a glowing report," the trainer said. "Everyone is happy. We need him in form and we need him used to straight racing. We will let him run his race, not worry too much about other things. We will get him into a good rhythm and let him find his pace he's comfortable with. I think that's what we have to do with him, he showed that in the Golden Rose. Let him use his speed but harness that speed, a little bit like Nature Strip. He's not as free going, but we've just got to get it right."
Maher chases second Lightning Stakes win
Ciaron Maher will chase his second Lightning Stakes victory Saturday, where he'll be represented by last year's third placegetter Benedetta and speedy filly Military Tycoon. On Benedetta's chances, Maher's assistant trainer Jack Turnbull told Racing.com: "She's prepped up really well. She's had that longer build up at Fingal now which is the point of difference for us to have her. Although the 1,000 meters is the bottom of her trip, she's going really well, she looks a treat and whatever she does over 1,000 meters in that small field on Saturday, she will improve."
Other entries in the Lightning include veteran sprinters Giga Kick and Baraqiel.
