Guest Column: Cream Of Caviar

23 March, 2013
– Lisa Barrett

Australia’s “Wonder from Down Under” Black Caviar made it 24 wins in row a when she cruised to scintillating victory in the William Reid Stakes (Gr.1)in front of a capacity crowd yesterday. The 6 year old mare didn’t disappoint her 25 000 odd fans who turned out to witness what was billed as her Melbourne “swansong” as she once again rewrote the history books, equalling the legendary Australian gelding Kingston Town’s 14 Group One victories.

Sent off at prohibitive odds once again, long-time jockey Luke Nolan rode a patient race in the early stages, letting stable companion Karuta Queen do most of the work, as he kept the Black Caviar handy. As they rounded the corner, the capacity crowd let out a massive roar, and all Nolan had to do was jiggle the reigns slightly as Black Caviar accelerated away to win by four lengths going away. Trainer Peter Moody was ecstatic exclaiming “She’s going super. It’s scary how well she’s going” as he paid tribute to the great mare whose given Australian breeding and racing a much needed shot in the arm in recent years.

Before this latest victory there was talk of retirement for Black Caviar by her connections, but based on this performance, it would be a great tragedy if we could no longer witness her brilliance. If she stays sound, Black Caviar’s next race could be in the T.J.Smith Stakes (Gr.1) on April 13th when she will line up to make it 25 straight wins, though another crack at Royal Ascot hasn’t been ruled out either.