Black Caviar Lightning Stakes could be the making of Maher’s Empire

The only certainty is that Growing Empire will kick off his campaign in Saturday’s Black Caviar Lightning at Flemington. However, the outcome of that race will shape the rest of his season.

Trainer Ciaron Maher is eager to secure a maiden Group 1 victory for the son of Zoustar.

The three-year-old narrowly missed out in last October’s Manikato Stakes, losing in the final strides to stablemate Southport Tycoon. He also placed in both The Everest and Coolmore Stud Stakes, yet has yet to claim the elite-level win his owner Yulong desires.

The likely plan is to follow the Lightning with the Newmarket Handicap and William Reid Stakes. However, Maher is hopeful of an early Group 1 win, which could open doors for an international campaign.

“It all depends on what he does, hopefully he wins first time out and then he’s got options to do whatever you want,” Maher said.

Growing Empire is among the key contenders in a $1 million Black Caviar Lightning, which also includes fellow colts Switzerland, Traffic Warden, and Espionage, as well as Benedetta and his stablemate I Am Me.

The Lightning has been Growing Empire’s primary target since the Coolmore Stud Stakes, where he tied for third with Lady Of Camelot, finishing three lengths behind Switzerland. Maher, however, is confident that his charge still has plenty of potential.

“He’s only going to keep improving, he’s a raw horse, and he still did little things a little bit wrong last time around so he’s still going to keep furnishing mentally and physically,” Maher said.

I Am Me will also return in the Black Caviar Lightning for her first start since finishing towards the rear in the $3m Russell Balding Stakes in early November. The daughter of I Am Invincible had earlier won the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) and Group 2 The Shorts (1100m).

She has had two 800m trials at Cranbourne this time, placing fifth and fourth when not pushed hard, and Maher is optimistic about her fresh run.

“She was very good early last preparation, 1000 metres suits and she has come up really well,” he said.

“Her trial the other day was great and she can mix it when she’s right.”

The Black Caviar Lightning headlines Saturday’s Flemington card, which also features the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes, where Goldrush Guru, Henlein, and Feroce are among the entries.