Australia’s number one rated sprinter Redzel is ready to kick off his 2018 Autumn Carnival campaign in the Group 1 $750,000 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) at Flemington on February 17 after blitzes his rivals in a 1000m barrier trial at Rosehill today.

Redzel, above, is on track to resume in the 2018 Black Caviar Lightning at Flemington after winning a barrier trial at Rosehill. Photo by Steve Hart.

Redzel was stepping out for his second barrier trial this preparation and showed that he was on track to keep his winning momentum going with an easy three lengths win  in a star studded barrier trail that featured champion mare Winx finishing in fifth place.

Randwick trainers Peter and Paul Snowden had pencilled in the Black Caviar Lightning for his return to the race track as the five year old chases his seventh win in succession.

Redzel was given an easy time when seventh in a 900m trial at Rosehill on January 22 and co-trainer Peter Snowden was happy with the gelding’s hit out today with regular rider Kerrin McEvoy back in the saddle after recovering from surgery to repair a broken finger.

“His first trial was a soft trial two weeks ago and this morning we just needed a bit of a pipe-opener,” Peter Snowden said.

“What I saw this morning was really good.

“He’ll do all his fast work up here, he’ll probably work fast once more (before the Lightning).

“He’ll probably only head down (to Melbourne) about four days before (the race), he’s been there quite a few times now.

“He’s only got to hold his form from last preparation but to my eye he’s a touch better, maybe that’s positive thinking.”

Redzel is the winner of his last six starts which included his history making victory in the inaugural running of the $10m The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 14 followed by his last start win in the Group 1 $1m Darley Classic (1200m) down the Flemington straight on the last day of the 2017 four day Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Redzel is also the winner of the Group 1 $700,000 James Boag’s Premium Doomben 10000 (1200m) at Doomben during the 2017 Brisbane Winter Carnival.

Early betting at Ladbrokes.com.au for the 2018 Black Caviar Lightning has Redzel as the clear cut favourite at $2.30 ahead of his stablemate Russian Revolution and Merchant Navy at $8.

Early betting for the 2018 Black Caviar Lightning at Ladbrokes.com.au: $2.30 Redzel, $8 Russian Revolution, Merchant Navy, $9 Catchy, Hey Doc, $11 Terravista, $13 Ball Of Muscle, Redkirk Warrior, $17 Supido, $21 Missrock, $23 Rock Magic, $26 Super Too.

Rosehill Barrier Trial Results Heat 1 (1000m)