Waller hopes Lightning can strike twice

The eight-year-old gelding looks set to wind back the clock in the $1 million Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m), a race he won in 2021 but suffered a narrow defeat in last year.

A star-studded line up joined the world’s best sprinter over 824m at Warwick Farm on Monday morning. Golden Slipper winner Fireburn, Caulfield Cup winner Durston, Coolmore Stud Stakes winning filly In Secret, TAB Champions Stakes winner Zaaki and 2020 Coolmore Stud Stakes winner September Run all had an easy time of it behind Nature Strip.

In the saddle was three-time Lexus Melbourne Cup winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy, who was keeping the seat warm for regular rider James McDonald. Nature Strip was an all-the-way winner of the trial by nearly one and a half lengths.

Although defeated last year, the Black Caviar Lightning was used by Chris Waller as a launching pad to international success for Nature Strip. The famous Flemington straight provided the ultimate warm up to Royal Ascot, where Nature Strip showed his talent with a win in the King’s Stand Stakes.

Waller has not confirmed plans for Nature Strip beyond an autumn campaign that will see the champion chestnut race in Melbourne and Sydney, but fans will be eager to see him back at Flemington on Saturday 18 February.

In January, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities announced that the 2022 Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning was recognised as the world’s best sprint race at the Longines World Racing Awards and this year we can expect a race of similar quality.

Relive the last 5 editions of the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning:

Other possible entries for the Black Caviar Lightning include dual Flemington Group 1 winner Roch ‘N’ Horse, three-year-old filly Coolangatta, Golden Eagle winner I Wish I Win and straight-track winner Joyful Fortune.

Be there to witness the world’s best sprint race, tickets on sale now: Black Caviar Lightning Race Day