Lightning Stakes to be Newmarket Handicap guide for Chris Waller mare Espiona

Chris Waller has won two of the past three Lightning Stakes but concedes his sole runner this year Espiona has a tough ask.

Champion trainer Chris Waller wants to lay the foundation for future Group 1 success with Espiona, an outside chance in Saturday’s Black Caviar Lightning Stakes at Flemington.

Coolmore Classic winner Espiona tuned up for the 1000m first-up assignment last Friday with a solid 800m workout at Flemington.

“She’s coming along well,” Waller said of the $17 outsider with TAB.

“She finished last in the jumpout but don’t put too much thought into those types of workouts.

“It’s probably a little bit short of her best, she’s won from 1200m to 1500m before … realistically she’d struggle (in the Lightning) but it will give us a good guide towards the Newmarket.”

The Group 1 Newmarket Handicap on March 9 at Flemington should suit Espiona second-up and especially as Lightning favourite Imperatriz is set to bypass the 1200m autumn feature.

Imperatriz, an eight-time Group 1 winner is much better suited at weight-for-age than handicap conditions, remains a $1.90 favourite with TAB for the Lightning Stakes.

Espiona will likely find the Lightning Stakes distance well short of her best. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Private Eye ($5), Bella Nipotina ($7) and I Am Unstoppable ($7) round out the top four in betting.

Waller has won two of the past three Lightning Stakes with champion Nature Strip (2021) and Home Affairs (2022).

Waller conceded Espiona faced a tough ask in the 1000m speed test.

“She’s already a Group 1 winner, a multiple Group 2 winner, trying to place her the best we can,” Waller said.

“See how she fits in and whether she’s up to running in the Newmarket, a bit more experience up the straight (is helpful).”

Key Lightning Stakes contenders have galloped at Flemington this morning.

The Astrologist inside Cylinder, with Espiona third, in an 800m course proper straight gallop 👇

Video: @gilbertgardinerpic.twitter.com/0CwpHUsUYJ

— Racenet (@RacenetTweets) February 8, 2024

Espiona won brilliantly at Flemington in her second ever race start, roaring to victory in the Desirable Stakes (1400m) in 2021.

She returned to Headquarters last spring and competed strongly in the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) to run fourth, two lengths behind Imperatriz.

Bella Nipotina finished alongside Espiona in the Champions Sprint last November.

Waller has six entries at Flemington on Saturday with three in the Group 3 CS Hayes, including Victoria Derby winner Riff Rocket ($7), Tannhauser ($19) and Cap Ferrat ($34).

“They’re all resuming and heading down paths where all of them will be better over further,” Waller said.

“It’s just a starting point for those three and see where they end up in the autumn.”

Originally published as Lightning Stakes to be Newmarket Handicap guide for Chris Waller mare Espiona