James Cummings is hoping Bivouac can add his name to the long line of champions who have won the Black Caviar Lightning and complete the unofficial triple crown of Flemington sprint events.
In the past year, Bivouac has won the Newmarket Handicap and VRC Sprint Classic and the Black Caviar Lightning is the other major sprint held each season down the famous straight.
If he can win on Saturday, Bivouac will emulate the deeds of superstar mare Black Caviar, who the race is named after, as she won the same trio of events in 2011 and 2012 over a 13-month period.
“History confirms just how significant this race is. Have a look at the long list of champions it’s produced,” Cummings said.
“He’s going to be serving it up to them again. This high-class field shouldn’t be underestimated though.”
Cummings said Bivouac possessed an X-factor but warned he would also take significant improvement from the run.
Bivouac hasn’t started since he destroyed his opposition to win the Group One VRC Sprint Classic at Flemington on the final day of the spring carnival in November.
On that occasion he dominated the race and defeated Nature Strip by 3-1/4 lengths.
The victory elevated him in the world rankings to be named equal top sprinter alongside The Everest winner Classique Legend.
The pair also tied for honours as the fourth best horses in the world with a rating of 125 apiece by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.
Cummings believes Bivouac has a particular affinity for the expanses of Flemington.
“He loves the Flemington straight as he demonstrated winning two of his three Group Ones here,” Cummings said.
Bivouac’s only loss over the Flemington straight course was when he finished second to Exceedance in the Coolmore Stud Stakes as a three-year-old.
He has not started over 1000 metres at Flemington but Cummings believes he is ready to run well.
“He will come into this race full of confidence after that impressive trial at Rosehill,” Cummings said.
Bivouac finished second to his Black Caviar Lightning rival Nature Strip in a 900 metre heat at Rosehill on January 27.
In the trial, he settled fourth behind the speed and ran on well without being pushed out.
Bivouac is a $2.70 favourite with TAB fixed odds and Nature Strip is on the second line of betting at $4.
