News

Peter Moody puts Royal Ascot on Black Caviar's program

18th Jul 2011

Herald Sun - Bart Sinclair & Tim Habel - Monday, 18 July 2011

JAPAN out, Hong Kong highly unlikely and Perth a big shortener - that's the latest news on Black Caviar's program for the rest of the year.

Trainer Peter Moody has outlined the super mare's probable season program, pencilling in her first overseas odyssey for Royal Ascot in June.

If Moody sticks to his plan of eight races in the spring and autumn, Black Caviar could head to England unbeaten, and with 21 wins.

Moody will on Tuesday welcome back Black Caviar to her Caulfield stable after a winter rest and three weeks' pre-training in Queensland.

Moody said Black Caviar would follow the same Melbourne spring program as last year and not go to Japan in October.

She will resume in the 1000m Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield on October 8, proceed to the 1200m Schweppes Stakes a fortnight later at Moonee Valley and then the 1200m Patinack Farm Classic at Flemington on November 5.

With the Schillaci 11 weeks away, Black Caviar will have a carefully managed build-up before she races again.

"I had a meeting with the owners after Brisbane, and they placed Royal Ascot next June at the top of their wish list," Moody said.

"Everything I'm planning for her in the spring is with the goal of having her right for the Orr and Futurity next year when I'm excited about getting her out to 1400m. Part of that plan might be a trip to Perth for the (1200m) Winterbottom Stakes in November.

"At the moment Perth is ahead of Hong Kong. There is no quarantine issues and she would get some flying experience, but be home a day or so after the race."

Moody plans to stretch Black Caviar to 1500m in the autumn in the George Ryder Stakes or Queen Of The Turf at Rosehill on April 4.

"After Sydney we can take our foot off the accelerator and get ready for England," Moody said.

In other news, Moody has 40 potential spring carnival contenders. Early Caulfield Cup favourite Lights Of Heaven is set to barrier trial in the next fortnight.

CAULFIELD will provide a $25,000 trophy for the winner of the inaugural Spring Weight-For-Age Championship.

The winner will be based on points accumulated from the Group 2 Lawrence Stakes on August 13, Group 2 Memsie Stakes on August 27, Group 1 Underwood Stakes on September 17 and Group 1 Caulfield Stakes on October 8.