Gr 1 Lightning Stakes Preview

Another cracking edition of the Gr1. Lightning. Ric Chapman unpacks the race, looks at every runner nd finds the top 4 home.

1. Mazu (11)

J: B Melham T: J Pride

Good, solid Gr 1 sprinter who always runs a grand race. Likes it wet. May get back here but is capable of finishing hard on his day. Place.

PB Rating 8
Last 5 3254x
Win $18.00 Place $4.20
  • Good on Soft

2. Mornington Glory (9)

J: E Brown T: G Bedggood

More than handy and is very fast on his day. Can mix his form though. Resumes here and goes very fast while fresh.

PB Rating 8
Last 5 1173x
Win $26.00 Place $6.00
  • Place Performer

3. Joyful Fortune (1)

J: H Coffey T: B, W & J Hayes

Led and run down in a weaker race over 1000m when resuming last start. Has been specked at big odds and did win a jump-out recently. This is too tough though.

PB Rating 7
Last 5 101x3
Win $41.00 Place $8.50
  • Likes Dry Track

4. Way To The Stars (8)

J: L Currie T: M Smith

Sydney sprinter who shocked with a speed display here just before spell to win over 1000m. This is much harder and he is resuming but he seems to love the straight and can run time here. Place show.

PB Rating 7.8
Last 5 3971x
Win $41.00 Place $8.00
  • Likes Dry Track

5. Philosopher (10)

J: M Dee T: E Jusufovic

Sat off speed and was way too strong over 1000m at Sandown last start in weaker race. Carried 55.5kg but did run a sensational time. Might run a big race if he repeats that.

PB Rating 7.6
Last 5 04321
Win $41.00 Place $8.50
  • Place Performer

6. I Am Me (12)

J: B Shinn T: C Maher

Looks very hard to beat. Has won twice at this distance including once here at this track. But, her real value is found in her fresh form. She resumes here and has sensational first-up stats winning 4 times! Has been very well backed each way too overnight. Respect her.

PB Rating 8.5
Last 5 1109x
Win $7.50 Place $2.25
  • Proven Winner

7. Benedetta (2)

J: D Stackhouse T: J Warren

Gr 1 winning mare who has good fresh stats and has won twice at this track, although never at this trip. Likes it soft and is bound to be running on. Place.

PB Rating 8.1
Last 5 1318x
Win $14.00 Place $3.50
  • Good on Soft

8. Stretan Angel (5)

J: L Neindorf T: P Stokes

Has never won first-up from 4 attempts and has yet to win at this trip. But she has a lot of finishing power. Will be last mid-race but has form against the best and no surprise to see her rattle home into a place.

PB Rating 8.7
Last 5 6384x
Win $26.00 Place $6.00
  • Good on Soft

9. Skybird (3)

J: J Allen T: M Freedman

Handy mare resuming here but does like it a little longer and this looks too swift.

PB Rating 6
Last 5 2370x
Win $41.00 Place $8.50
  • Likes Dry Track

10. Growing Empire (6)

J: M Zahra T: C Maher

Terrific colt who may be in for a stunning campaign. Resumes here but has won 3 of 6 starts, placing at Gr 1 level the other races. Can lead or sit and has won first-up before. Has also won at this track and looks the one to beat here.

PB Rating 9
Last 5 1233x
Win $3.90 Place $1.55
  • Ready to Fire

11. Switzerland (7)

J: J Mcdonald T: C Waller

Super colt getting ready to show the world just how good he is. Has won 5 of his 7 starts including a great and consummate win this track in Gr 1 over 1200m last start in very fast time. Trialled brilliantly recently. And the money has flooded in for him. Big, big show.

PB Rating 9.2
Last 5 x911x
Win $2.80 Place $1.40
  • Proven Winner

12. Traffic Warden (4)

J: J Melham T: J Cummings

Top class Gr 1 winning colt resuming here. This may be a little short but he is so good he will drop back and make a solid charge late. Can place simply because of his talent.

PB Rating 9
Last 5 x120x
Win $8.00 Place $2.30
  • Proven Winner

First 4

1. Switzerland, 2. Growing Empire, 3. I Am Me, 4. Traffic Warden

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On This Race

* PB rating based on form analysts’ opinion.