Jockey Ethan Brown is set to add another Group 1 victory to his record as he partners Mornington Glory in the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on Saturday.

With six Group 1 wins since May 2022, Brown is excited to reunite with Mornington Glory, one of his previous top-level winners. The pair claimed the Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley last September.

Though the Lightning Stakes is a different challenge, Brown feels the Gavin Bedggood-trained gelding is in good shape. He’ll face tough competition from the likes of Switzerland, Traffic Warden, Growing Empire, Benedetta, and I Am Me.

“We know we’re heading into a hot race being a Group 1 first-up,” Brown said. “He’s going as well as ever, and he trialled on Monday, very much an on the bridle trial. I expect him to run really well. I’m not going there expecting him to win or anything, but he’ll run a really good race. I think he’ll surprise a few people how well he’s going.”

Mornington Glory began his career with a Bendigo maiden win for Matt Laurie before Bedggood took over in 2023. The sprinter has since progressed from a benchmark 64 win at Geelong to placing third in the Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield, followed by his Moir Stakes victory.

Though he’s excelled at Moonee Valley, Mornington Glory has also triumphed over Flemington’s straight 1000m course, with Brown confident he can handle both a bend and the straight.

“I think he’s just a good horse,” Bedggood said. “I don’t think too much worries him, whether it’s a bend or the straight. The straight will suit him in the sense that there’s probably going to be good speed in the race, and he will be able to tuck in and get a bit of cover and build into it. I think the straight will suit him fine.”

There are 13 nominations, with the final field and barrier draw to be announced on Wednesday.