The world's highest-rated sprinter Black Caviar has opened well into the red as she tries to extend her unbeaten run to nine in Saturday's $750,000 Lightning Stakes at Flemington.The Bel Esprit mare will equal the record of the longest unbeaten streak of wins on metropolitan tracks in Australia to start a race career if successful in the Group One 1000m sprint.Former brilliant juvenile Rancher was the last to achieve the feat in 1981-82 and before him were Eye Liner (1964-65), Mollison (1928-29)

The world's highest-rated sprinter Black Caviar has opened well into the red as she tries to extend her unbeaten run to nine in Saturday's $750,000 Lightning Stakes at Flemington.

The Bel Esprit mare will equal the record of the longest unbeaten streak of wins on metropolitan tracks in Australia to start a race career if successful in the Group One 1000m sprint.

Former brilliant juvenile Rancher was the last to achieve the feat in 1981-82 and before him were Eye Liner (1964-65), Mollison (1928-29) and Grand Flaneur (1881-82).

Black Caviar, who drew barrier seven in the 10-horse field, is $1.45 favourite with TAB Sportsbet ahead of Hay List at $4.40 with comeback galloper King Pulse third pick in the market at $11.

Peter Moody, trainer of the superstar, is eagerly awaiting the big race, her first since she secured her first Group One victory in the Patinack Farm Classic (1200m) last spring.

"Exciting times. The Patinack seems an age ago but she's prepped up really well. I couldn't be more pleased with her," he said.

"It's the first time she's gone for a spell sound. She had about three, four weeks out and she's had her usual five weeks with Peter Clark up at Murchison and a similar amount of time back at Caulfield.

"There's going to be good improvement in her which you'd expect with a big gross mare like her.

"She's only got to go five furlongs (1000m) up the Flemington straight, but she's fit enough to win as long as she's good enough."

Moody, like the bookies, expects Hay List, a winner 12 times from 15 starts including the Group One Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley, will be the main danger.

"I've got great respect for Hay List," Moody said.

"You've only got to go back three months and I think pre his injury he was a short-priced favourite to beat her in the Patinack.

"How much do you read into that Patinack victory? There's no doubt that Hay List was a long way off his top that day so I'm sure you'll see a different horse on Saturday.

"It's exciting, it's a bit daunting. I'd be lying if I said I didn't mind him being there."

Hay List drew the outside gate, King Pulse barrier three, 2010 Golden Slipper winner Crystal Lily four and evergreen straight track specialist Grand Duels five.

True Persuasion, who was placed behind both Black Caviar and Hay List in Group company last spring, drew eight.

South Australian three-year-old Stirling Grove drew two, Mornington filly Warm Love six, Tollesprit nine and unheralded Queensland visitor Leapfrog the inside barrier.