News

Perfect Ten for Black Caviar

13th Mar 2011

Breednet - Mark Smith - Saturday, 12 March 2011

As Black Caviar once again routed a top-class field of sprinters in the time-honoured Newmarket Handicap (G1) at Flemington on Saturday it is clear that the hulking daughter of Bel Esprit is, quite scaringly, improving with every run.

Humping 58 kgs, Black Caviar was only out of second gear for the final 200 metres of the race, pulling away by three lengths from last years Golden Slipper (G1) heroine Crystal Lily (Stratum) with the ever-consistent Beaded (Lonhro) clocking in third, three-quarters of a length further back. (photo Steve Hart).

The $600,000 winners cheque took Black Caviar's earnings to almost $2.3 million from ten unbeaten starts.

“I'd like to think we've kept our cool all week and I think that extends to the horse,” winning trainer Moody said.

“The public perception is the thing that scares me. I know she's going to give her all and the only thing that will bring about her downfall is injury.

“I would have been more disappointed for the owners and everyone that had come to see her if something had gone wrong.

“It's only two races down of maybe a six-run campaign, but she's done a hell of a job.”

Moody said Black Caviar would have her next run in the Group I William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Friday week before heading to Sydney.

A $210,000 purchase by Moody from the Swettenham draft at the 2008 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Black Caviar is the first foal of the Desert Sun mare Helsinge, a half-sister to Group One winner Magnus and Group Two winner Wilander.

A $305,000 yearling herself, Helsinge was showed ability on the track but a string of injuries resulted in her not making a start.

She was consigned to the 2005 Inglis Broodmare sale, still unnamed, where she was knocked down to Peter Ford Thoroughbred on behalf of Rick Jamieson for $115,000. Jamieson sent the mare to Eliza Park Stud's Bel Esprit and Black Caviar is the result.

Helsinge has a yearling colt by Casino Prince and a filly foal by Redoute's Choice and was bred back to the champion son of Danehill last season.