News

Black Caviar to be even tastier

4th Oct 2011

Herald Sun - AdriannDunn - Tuesday, 3 October 2011

It was an assessment that will delight a nationwide audience, but send a shiver through the owners and trainers of would-be rivals - Black Caviar is returning better than ever.

That was the matter-of-fact declaration by trainer Peter Moody as the world champion sprinter prepared to resume in the $200,000 Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.

"My feeling has always been that this would be her best preparation as a fully mature five-year-old," Moody said.

"She's always had those little niggles and there has been a few question marks in the past, but she has really grown into a big, strong mare. She is more mature, physically and mentally. I think she has improved."

Certainly, Black Caviar's bid for her 14th successive win, a mark that would match Phar Lap's streak as a four-year-old, has affected her opposition in the 1000m Schillaci.

Just seven other horses were nominated for the Group 2 race, forcing entries to be extended until today.

Two of the entries - Sydney filly Karuta Queen, who is also entered in the Thoroughbred Club Stakes, and Morgan Dollar - have won Listed races, but there's not a Group winner among them.

When asked about creating history with Black Caviar, in terms of drawing alongside Phar Lap for successive wins, Moody said: "It's a big name, none bigger. I suppose the difference is that she is undefeated, but to be mentioned in those quarters is a little unrealistic for horses to be recognised side-by-side seven or eight decades apart. Certainly, it would be a nice honour for the mare."

Moody said as Black Caviar's winning streak grew, so did the pressure.

"I think at her last five or six wins she's had some sort of record attributed to her," he said. "It (the pressure) continues to build, but the good thing about myself and my staff is that we have learned to handle it."

Moody said Black Caviar had been back at his Caulfield stables for a month after spending time at Peter Clarke's Murchison property, where she enjoyed her time in the water walker.

Black Caviar, who will work today on the course proper at Caulfield, has had what Moody described as "a couple of little gallops" and a jumpout last week.

"Everything is ticking over very nicely," he said.

Daunting news for every sprinter in the country.