Sharp Warden wins G1 Black Caviar Lightning preview

Jamie Melham will ride one of the top contenders in Australia’s first Group 1 of the year at Caulfield on Saturday, but she took a moment on Friday morning to test her mount for next week’s marquee event.

Melham guided Traffic Warden to victory in an 800-metre jumpout at Flemington, which featured several horses preparing for Saturday week’s Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m).

The James Cummings-trained colt broke well and remained under a strong hold from Melham for most of the trial, only being given slight rein to edge out Espionage by a head. Espionage held off the late-charging Benedetta for second place.

Isthmus finished fourth, just over a length behind despite being eased to the line, while Lightning Stakes favourite Switzerland trailed the group in a gallop meant to familiarize him with the track where he captured the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes in the spring.

Melham is eager to reunite with Traffic Warden, a son of Street Boss whom she rode to victory in last year’s Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes over 1400m at Flemington. She believes he has the potential to establish himself as one of Australia’s premier sprinters.

"The idea early was that he was going to step up in trip but he’s just so brilliant," Melham said.

"The 1200 is probably more his go, but he’ll be fresh and I don’t think 1000 down the straight will bother him at all."

The jumpout took place a day before the $750,000 Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m), where Melham will ride Another Wil, another son of Street Boss trained by Ciaron Maher, who is the second favorite behind Mr Brightside.

The five-year-old’s only defeat in four starts at 1400m last campaign came when he finished half a length behind the winner in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes. Melham believes Caulfield’s 1400m suits him perfectly.

"That’s definitely his go and he was very, very good last start at Caulfield in the Group 1," she said.

"I think 1400 is his ideal trip. We tried to stretch him out over a touch further, but I think he just does a bit too much, so I think the 1400 is definitely his go."

Another Wil will break from barrier three in the 10-horse C F Orr Stakes field.