G1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes Headlines Flemington Meeting
Godolphin's brilliant sprinter Exosphere returns to Flemington on Saturday February 20 for a G1 Lightning Stakes renewal that is the highlight of racing in Australia for the year to date.
Godolphin's brilliant sprinter Exosphere (pictured above) returns to Flemington on Saturday February 20 for a G1 Lightning Stakes renewal that is the highlight of racing in Australia for the year to date.
As well as his own, much-anticipated resumption, the race presents a contest between the youth and experience as Exosphere takes on the seasoned stars Chautauqua and Terravista.
A brilliant winner at G1 and G2 level last spring, Exosphere (John O'Shea/James McDonald) lost his chance on a shifting track at his last run when fourth in the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes on October 31.
But O'Shea has sent the colt back to the straight 1,000m course for a race that, on paper, suits him admirably.
"He's pleased us in his trials and in his work at home and he's arrived in Melbourne in good order," O'Shea said.
"He has to tick a few boxes concerning the track and hopefully he can do that on Saturday."
While O'Shea would have preferred a wider draw for Exosphere, who has the inside gate, a field of only seven should help to counter that disadvantage.
As a three-year-old Exosphere also has the advantage of carrying three kilos less than his main rival Chautauqua which shapes as major factor in his favour, as does the decision of jockey James McDonald to go to Melbourne to ride him.
"Originally James was going to stay in Sydney and ride our Golden Slipper colt Astern," O'Shea said.
"But after the colt worked on Monday and after the trials he's run over the past month, he wants to stick with the big horse."
O'Shea will decide after Saturday's race whether to leave Exosphere in Melbourne for the G1 Newmarket Handicap or return to Sydney for the G1 TJ Smith Stakes.
Exosphere heads a team that includes the talented filly Italy (John O'Shea/ James McDonald) who runs in the 1,400m, G3 The Vanity.
"She's done very well since coming back into work and her first-up run was encouraging," O'Shea said.
"There are some nice races in Melbourne and in Sydney for her and we'll make a decision after Saturday on where she goes next."
The Godolphin contingent is completed by the two-year-old filly Brittany (John O'Shea/James McDonald in the 1,100m, Listed Talindert Stakes.
Exosphere wins the G2 BMW Roman Consul Stakes © Grant Guy
