News

Manawanui & Black Caviar make it look easy

22nd Oct 2011

Derby favourite Manawanui and Australia’s darling Black Caviar made it all look so easy at Group 2 level at Moonee Valley today, scoring a race-to-race double for Inglis graduates in Mitchelton Wines Vase (2040m) and Schweppes Stakes (1200m).

At his first attempt past a mile MANAWANUI ($45,000 2010 Classic, 3g Oratorio(IRE)-Lady Remlap) was settled back in the Vase field by Glyn Schofield, but when asked to improve at the 600m mark he ambled up outside second favourite Collar and raced away to an easy victory.

By Coolmore Stud stallion Oratorio (IRE), a Group 1 winner over 2000m in Ireland and England, from Filante mare Lady Remlap, Manawanui gave the impression the 2500m of next week’s Group 1 VRC Derby wouldn’t pose any problems, a race which he is $2.35 favourite with Luxbet.com.

But it was the impressive display of Australian Horse of the Year BLACK CAVIAR ($210,000 2008 Premier, 5m Bel Esprit-Helsinge) that again stole the show at Moonee Valley, as she strolled around the 1200m to a six length victory in the G2 MVRC Schweppes Stakes over Doubtful Jack, Here de Angles and past Australian Champion Sprinter Scenic Blast.

Trainer Peter Moody and jockey Luke Nolan were again struggling to find words to explain the emotion behind presenting the daughter of Bel Esprit to the races 15 times for 15 wins.

“It is a wonderful story, it’s a dream come true,” said Moody

“It’s great to see the joy she brings people.

“She is just great for the sport and I’m forever so grateful to be part of it.

Asked what is next for the undefeated superstar Moody indicated that the connections vision is to travel the mare around Australia after the Group 1 VRC Patinack Classic (1200m) at Flemington in two weeks’ time before taking on the world.

“The owners have always looked forward to showcasing her to Australia as have I and Perth is very much in the picture.

“On to the Patinack, then all well all roads lead to Perth,” Moody said.