The Group One Black Caviar Lightning will be run in front of empty grandstands following the implementation of Melbourne's latest lockdown restrictions.

Only essential staff and industry participants will be allowed at Flemington on Saturday, just days after the Victoria Racing Club announced it was hoping to welcome up to 15000 spectators.

The state government announced on Friday that all of Victoria would enter a five-day lockdown in the wake of the latest COVID-19 flare-up in Melbourne.

While scheduled race meetings during the period will go ahead, no owners, members or spectators will be permitted on course.

“Racing and training can continue in Victoria at this time under biosecurity protocols that saw our sport safely continue throughout previous periods of stage four restrictions,” Racing Victoria chief executive Giles Thompson said.

“As we have done throughout the pandemic, we will continue to take decisive action to ensure that we provide the safest environment possible for both those participating in Victorian racing, as well as the wider community.”

The VRC is still planning for crowds to attend its upcoming feature meetings, the Australian Guineas program scheduled for February 27 and the Super Saturday meeting a week later.