Enver Jusufovic is set to give his sprinter Philosopher a shot at Group 1 glory in the Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) at Flemington on February 15, following an impressive victory in the Listed Adams Stakes (1000m) at Sandown Lakeside. Philosopher won the Adams Stakes by two-and-three-quarter lengths in a blistering time of 55.94 seconds, just 0.3 seconds off the track record set by Cocinero in 2005.
Jusufovic believes the Flemington straight and the 1000m distance will suit Philosopher, despite the step up in class. He described the gelding as a potential dark horse for the Black Caviar Lightning, citing his recent form and fitness as key factors.
Philosopher has already shown promise down the Flemington straight, finishing a close fourth in the Century Stakes during his only previous run over 1000m at the track. Jusufovic noted that the horse is now much fitter and coming off the best performance of his career.
The trainer expressed confidence in Philosopher’s ability to handle the challenge, especially after watching his dominant Adams Stakes victory from New Zealand, where he was attending the Karaka Yearling Sales. Jusufovic highlighted how the race setup at Sandown played perfectly to Philosopher’s strengths, with the horse thriving in the wide-open spaces and taking advantage of the pace set by the leader.
With Philosopher in peak condition and Jusufovic willing to “roll the dice”, the Black Caviar Lightning promises to be an exciting opportunity for the sprinter to test his mettle against some of the best short-course horses in the country.
