News

Black Caviar, a national treasure, in race to equal Phar Lap's record

7th Oct 2011

The Australian - Dave Lewis - Friday, 7 October 2011

BLACK Caviar, the marauding mare Australians have developed an insatiable craving for, returns to racing's main menu tomorrow, striving to equal the record 14-win streak of legendary Phar Lap.

A crowd of 50,000 will converge on Melbourne's Caulfield track to sample the first Caviar serving since her victory over arch-foe Hay List in the BTC Cup at Doomben in May.

Bookies are offering just $1.05 on the five-year-old beating home an eight-rival field in the Schillaci Stakes over 1000m. One fearless punter, undaunted by odds among the shortest in Australian racing history, has wagered $10,000 with TAB Sportsbet.

Black Caviar, the only homegrown horse with an official website and fan-inspired Facebook page, has been back at work at trainer Peter Moody's Caulfield stables for the past five weeks following a long sabbatical at the Murchison property of country Victoria trainer Peter Clarke, where the "water walker" was a particular favourite.

"It's a vital pre-training tool and Black Caviar was a big fan," Moody said. "She loved ploughing through it every day. She's come back stronger mentally and physically and I don't think we have seen the best of her yet. But we may be about to."

Moody said he was blessed to have Black Caviar.

"I've not seen a horse her equal and don't expect to,' he said. "She's the first Australian horse to be officially rated the best in the world. She's a national treasure and I feel an obligation towards her as well as a great affection."

Moody shies away from comparisons with the great Phar Lap -- who had bookies refusing to offer odds during his unbeaten reign from September 13, 1930, to March 4, 1931.

"I don't like comparing horses from other eras . . . she's best of her time and Phar Lap the best of his," he said.

"What sets her apart is not sheer speed but her massive stride. When you watch her work, you think she's going slow -- then you look at the stop-watch and it's shake your head stuff."

She was unearthed for just $210,000 by Moody in 2008 at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale on behalf of a seven-strong syndicate of Melbourne friends, who rejected a $5 million offer to part with her last March.