News

Moody to wait for thrill after Caviar's return

10th Oct 2010

Racenet - Brad Waters - Saturday, 9 October 2010

Black Caviar easily maintained her unbeaten record in the Group II Schillaci Stakes (1000m) but Caulfield trainer Peter Moody says the biggest thrill surrounding the win would occur on Sunday morning.

The striking four-year-old raced on the speed in her first run since January before opening a three-length margin on her rivals on the home turn to before Winter King cut the gap back to 1-1/4 lengths after jockey Luke Nolen eased Black Caviar down approaching the post.

Moody said it “was lovely to see her back” after a string of injuries but he would have a few worries until he had checked the mare’s condition on Sunday morning.

“I said to the owner ‘the biggest thrill I will get is when she walks out of her box in one piece’,” Moody said.

“But I would have been disappointed if she didn’t win.”

Black Caviar’s win is likely to set up a clash with the Manikato Stakes winner Hay List with the title of Australia’s best sprinter on the line in Saturday’s week’s Group II Schweppes Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.

The mare’s jockey, Luke Nolen, said he would prefer Black Caviar to have another run before the four-year-old clashed with the giant sprinter.

“I would prefer it if she went into the race third-up rather than second-up,” Nolen said. “He’s had three now so she’s not only taking on a class animal but a really wound-up one.

“That run today will bring her right on. Hopefully, he skips the Moir (Schweppes Stakes) and we go and run there which will top us off for the Patinack (Farm Classic).”

General Truce finished third ahead of the Blue Diamond Stakes winner Star Witness who made a solid return to racing by finishing fourth after being blocked for a run on the home turn.