Racing fans rejoice, because we are about to launch into serious Melbourne Autumn carnival action with the running of the $1million VRC Black Caviar Lightning Stakes at WFA, the first leg of the southern “Triple Crown” for the speedsters, and (since 2005) the first leg of the Global Sprint Challenge.

Kris Shailer won the Gr.3 Matamata Slipper (1200m) four years ago with Alabama Gold when training in partnership with Stephen Autridge, and this year he is hoping to win it in a solo capacity.