Ethan Brown after more Group 1 Glory in Black Caviar Lightning Stakes
Jockey Ethan Brown is eager to secure another Group 1 victory as he takes the reins on Mornington Glory in the upcoming Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington.
Brown, who has claimed six Group 1 titles since May 2022, is excited to reunite with Mornington Glory for Saturday’s high-stakes sprint. The duo previously triumphed in the Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley last September.
While the Lightning Stakes presents a fresh challenge, Brown acknowledges the strong field featuring competitors like Switzerland, Traffic Warden, Growing Empire, Benedetta, and I Am Me. However, he remains confident in his mount’s abilities.
“We’re stepping into a really competitive Group 1 first-up,” Brown said. “He’s in fantastic shape, and his trial on Monday was very much an on-the-bridle effort.
“I expect him to perform strongly. I’m not heading in with expectations of winning, but he’ll definitely put in an impressive run.
“I think a few people will be surprised by how well he’s tracking.”
Mornington Glory began his racing career under Matt Laurie, securing a maiden victory at Bendigo before trainer Gavin Bedggood took over his training in 2023. Under Bedggood’s guidance, the gelding advanced from a benchmark 64 win at Geelong in October 2023 to a third-place finish in the Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield last February before claiming the Moir Stakes.
Despite Mornington Glory’s notable success at Moonee Valley, where he has claimed four wins, he has also demonstrated his capabilities with a victory over Flemington’s 1000m straight track.
Brown believes his mount is equally proficient on both curved and straight tracks.
“I just think he’s a quality horse,” Bedggood said. “I don’t think track shape makes much of a difference to him.
“The straight course should work in his favor with the strong pace expected in the race. He’ll be able to settle in, find cover, and gradually build momentum.
“I don’t see the straight being a problem for him at all.”
The final field and barrier draw for the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes will be confirmed on Wednesday, with 13 horses currently nominated for the event.
More Racing News
Melbourne Cup hopes boosted for Ciaron Maher runners after handicapping
Juja Kibo has taken a significant step towards a Melbourne Cup start, receiving a revised handicap following his impressive victory in The Metropolitan last Saturday.The chief handicapper for Racing Victoria, David Hegan, assigned the Ciaron Maher-trained stayer a 2kg penalty for the $10 million event, acknowledging his dominant 1-3/4-length win...
Crescent King set for Brian Crowley Stakes after Warwick Farm triumph
While Crescent King has not yet been tested in Saturday races, a commanding win at Warwick Farm on Monday could well have earned him a start in Stakes company.The Written Tycoon colt, a three-year-old, now boasts two wins from as many starts this preparation after he reeled in the speedy...
Attrition set for another tilt at the Hill Stakes
Mitch Freedman's primary focus at Flemington last Saturday was on the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes, which he claimed with Skybird, but he was also an interested observer of the Turnbull Stakes.The Ballarat trainer expressed his satisfaction at seeing Cosmic Crusader achieve a dominant 1-3/4-length victory in the 2000-metre Group 1...
Welcometotheshow primed for Toorak Handicap tilt
Trainer Tyler Donaldson-Aitken is preparing to mark a significant career milestone, readying his first Group 1 contender, Welcometotheshow.The race targeted for Welcometotheshow is the highly anticipated Toorak Handicap, a 1600-metre event at Caulfield this Saturday. This comes after the gelding secured his inaugural Stakes race victory at Flemington on September...
Flying For Fun targets Schillaci Stakes after impressive return
Bryce Heys has opted to keep Flying For Fun at shorter distances for now, with the mare's next start set to be in Melbourne for the Schillaci Stakes.The dual stakes winner is expected to be nominated for the 1100m sprint at Caulfield on Saturday. This comes after a promising return...
Close call as Skybird narrowly wins Gilgai Stakes
Depending on when you are reading this, trainer Mitchell Freedman and favourite backers may only just have exhaled as a unique characteristic nearly brought Skybird undone in the Gilgai Stakes at Flemington.Sent out the $2.90 market elect, Skybird looked set for an easy victory as jockey Ben Melham eased the...
Cosmic Crusader's Turnbull Stakes victory points to Cox Plate tilt
Pakenham trainer Andrea Leek has celebrated her most substantial success to date as Cosmic Crusader triumphed in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington. Leek is now aiming for an even greater prize, hoping to return to headquarters for Australia's premier weight-for-age race, the Cox Plate, with the Perth-owned galloper.The prestigious Cox...
Premiere Stakes victory for Tempted seals Everest start
Tempted has made a powerful statement with her commanding win in the Premiere Stakes at Randwick, effectively securing her owner Godolphin's slot in The Everest and signalling her readiness to challenge Hong Kong's elite sprinter Ka Ying Rising.The official confirmation is awaited, but Tempted is expected to represent the global...
Mr Monaco books Melbourne Cup ticket with Flemington win
The Ciaron Maher stable has successfully gained another 'Golden Ticket' to the Melbourne Cup thanks to Mr Monaco's triumph at Flemington.Mr Monaco triumphed in the Group 3 The Bart Cummings (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday, thereby securing a ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup (3200m) scheduled for November 3.Previously, Shockletz...
Sam Clipperton makes triumphant return with Group 2 Metropolitan win on Juja Kibo
Jockey Sam Clipperton marked his most significant success since his return from retirement by guiding Juja Kibo to victory in the Randwick staying feature, The Metropolitan, a race now designated as Group 2.Clipperton had stepped away from the saddle just over a year after his 2023 Everest triumph on Think...