Track: Soft 7 Weather: Overcast

Following the early scratchings of Celestial Storm and Sledding, there is a field of 14 remaining for the 2024 Sportsbet Lightning Stakes with 10 3YOs (4 geldings and 6 fillies) and 4 2YOs (1 gelding and 3 fillies). Three runners had their last start in a BM66 over 1100m at Murray Bridge on 13^th July (won by Hajra), one is unraced and the rest all came via different races. Two runners are sired by Rich Enuff, and two by Deep Field.

The early favourite is two-year-old filly Kuroyanagi who placed in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes over 1200m at Caulfield on 24^th February and resumes here after 22 weeks. Second favourite is another 2YO filly Arabian Summer who has 3 wins and 2 places from her 6 starts. Third favourite is 3YO filly Aviatress  who was 0.8 length 5^th in the Group 3 Proud Miss Stakes over 1200m at Morphettville on 11^th May and has 3 wins from 5 starts. Hajra won by 3.3 lengths at Murray Bridge, while Whistlefield won by 2 lengths over 1000m at Caulfield last start. The rest of the runners are currently over $16.

1. Wiggum (14)

Resumes after 23 weeks and has won 2 from 2 first-up. Won a Balaklava trial on 11th July. Chance.

2. Brave Action (15)

Tired to finish 12th behind Hajra on 13th July then won at Mildura 6 days later. This is much harder.

3. Magic Field (6)

Chasing a hat-trick after wins at Gawler and Morphettville Parks. Don’t dismiss.

4. Riche D’amour (5)

Has only had 2 starts. Won here on debut then was midfield behind Hajra at Murray Bridge after being wide throughout. Could surprise.

5. Whistlefield (11)

Won a handicap by 2 lengths over 1000m at Caulfield on 29th June and has now won 4 of his 10 starts One of the chances.

6. Celestial Storm (12)

SCRATCHED

7. Satin And Silk (2)

Talented filly from the Snowden stable returning from a 21 week spell. Good barrier and can be in the finish.

8. Aviatress (16)

Ran 0.8 length 5th in the Group 3 Proud Miss Stakes over 1200m at Morphettville on 11th May and has 3 wins from 5 starts. Strong chance.

9. Lingani (10)

Has 2 wins and 2 2nds from 4 runs this preparation. Was 2nd to Hajra last start. Place chance.

10. Mighty (8)

Resumed for a win at Sandown Hillside. Not the worst.

11. Hajra (3)

Won by 3.3 lengths in a BM66 over 1100m at Murray Bridge on 13th July making it 3 wins from 4 starts this campaign. Rates highly.

12. Sledding (4)

SCRATCHED

13. Mesrour (1)

Last start winner at Murray Bridge. Perfectly drawn and could surprise.

14. Arabian Summer (13)

Has 3 wins and 2 places from her 6 starts. Winning chance.

15. Kuroyanagi (9)

Placed in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes over 1200m at Caulfield on 24th February and resumes here after 22 weeks.

16. Bonavena (7)

Unraced. Watch the market.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo Jackson’s Tips
14 Arabian Summer
8 Aviatress
11 Hajra
4 Riche D’amour

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	9 Lingani
2nd	15 Kuroyanagi	0.2 length
3rd	8 Aviatress	0.4 length
4th	10 Mighty	1.5 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 7.

Scratchings: 6. Celestial Storm, 12. Sledding, 14. Arabian Summer (scratched at the barrier).