GROUP ONE LIGHTNING STAKES:

HISTORY

* Run at weight-for-age over 1000 metres on Flemington's straight course

* Elevated to Group One in 1987 when won by WA speedster Placid Ark

* Notable winners include Special (1988), Shaftesbury Avenue (1991), Schillaci (1992-93), Mahogany (1995, 1997), Choisir (2003), Fastnet Rock (2005), Takeover Target (2006), Miss Andretti (2007), Apache Cat (2008), Scenic Blast (2009), Black Caviar (2011, 2012, 2013)

* Now named in honour of champion Black Caviar

TALKING POINTS

* The first leg of the Global Sprint Series

* Choisir (2003), Takeover Target (2006), Miss Andretti (2007) and Scenic Blast (2009) all won the Lightning on their way to victories at Royal Ascot

* Brazen Beau trying to emulate Fastnet Rock, the last three-year-old to win.

PATTERN:

* Unbeaten Deep Field has led in all his five races but may have competition from Fab Fevola, the outsider of the six runners

* Lankan Rupee is expected to be behind the speed and launch his claim late.

FANCIED RUNNERS:

* Reigning Horse of the Year Lankan Rupee has been challenged for favouritism by Deep Field

* Lankan Rupee has won four Group One races while Deep Field is having his first run at the elite level of racing.