See the 2024 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes Preview and results.

See the 2023 Lightning Stakes Preview and results.

See the 2022 Lightning Stakes Preview and results.

See the 2021 Lightning Stakes Preview and results.

The Lightning Stakes was first run in 1955 over a distance of 5 furlongs (about 1006 metres) when it was won by Gay Vista. The distance changed to 1000 metres in 1973 when Australia adopted metric measurements.

The race was classified as a Principal race from 1955 to 1979, then became a Group 2 in 1980. In 1987 it was upgraded to a Group 1 race and has a special place as Australia’s shortest Group 1 race. It is normally run at Flemington, but in 2007 it was held at Moonee Valley due to major track renovations at Flemington.

Top class sprinters often tackle the Lightning Stakes as part of their preparation for the Newmarket Handicap over 1200 metres, which is usually run 3 weeks later. In between many of the best sprinters will also run in the Oakleigh Plate over 1100 metres which is held at Caulfield on Blue Diamond Stakes Day, one week after the Lightning Stakes. Only two horses have ever won the Lightning Stakes, Oakleigh Plate and Newmarket Melbourne sprint treble and they were Schillaci in 1992 and Placid Ark in 1987.

When Black Caviar won the race for the third consecutive year in 2013, her time of 55.42 seconds, took .08 of a second from a track record that had stood for 25 years. It was set by Special in the 1988 edition of the event.

Last mare to win: Imperatriz (2024)

Last 3YO to win: C&G  – Home Affairs (2022); Filly – Regimental Girl (2004)

Multiple winners: Black Caviar (2011, 2012 & 2013), Schillaci (1992 & 1993); River Rough (1984 & 1985); Maybe Mahal (1977 & 1978); Wenona Girl (1963 & 1964); Sky High (1961 & 1962).

Fastest time (1000m): Black Caviar (2013) 0:55:42

Leading jockeys: Damien Oliver with 5 wins (Nicconi 2010; Testa Rossa 2000; Gold Ace 1996; Schillaci 1992 & 1993).

Leading trainers: Bart Cummings with 8 wins (Shaftesbury Avenue 1991; Hula Chief 1986; Demus 1983; Maybe Mahal 1977 & 1978; Cap d’Antibes 1975; Century 1974; Storm Queen 1967).

Interesting trivia: 1998 winner General Nediym sired 2004 winner Regimental Gal.

In 2005 the Lightning Stakes was made the first leg of the Global Sprint Challenge which began in that year. It consists of ten Group 1 sprint races across Australia, England, Japan, Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong. Hong Kong horse Cape of Good Hope came third that year and went on to win the Global Sprint Challenge. Recent Lightning Stakes winners have continued on to win Group 1 sprint races on the international circuit including Black Caviar, Takeover Target (2006), Miss Andretti (2007) Apache Cat (2008) and Scenic Blast (2009).

From the archives:

Lightning Stakes Preview & Tips 2018

Track: Good,   Weather: Fine

There are 10 runners for the $750,000 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes. The odds-on favourite is Everest winner Redzel who has won 11 of his 21 starts and finished last campaign with a Group 1 win in the Darley Classic. Second favourite is Terravista who won this race last year, was 2^nd in 2016 and always runs well first-up. Third favourite is Hey Doc who also goes well first-up and won the Group 1 Manikato Stakes at the end of his last campaign.has 5 wins from 9 starts and struck all sorts of trouble when a close 2^nd in the Group 1 Darley Classic at the end of last campaign.

Formality is the only three-year-old in the race and is very smart. Redkirk Warrior won first-up at Flemington last campaign. Ball Of Muscle won the Mumm Stakes at this track and distance at the end of last campaign and excels at this distance. The other runners are all over 16 to 1 in the early market but any of them could fill a place including Super Too who has won 2 trials by good margins.

The following are the top 4 selections from our tipster panel for this years race.