BLACK Caviar - the world's highest rated sprinter - can equal the oldest record in Australian racing history if she wins the Group One $750,000 Coolmore Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Trainer Peter Moody's super mare has won her first eight race starts and is striving to protect her unbeaten sequence against a star-studded field that is likely to include Hay List, Crystal Lily, Hinchinbrook and King Pulse.
If Black Caviar does win the Lightning Stakes, she will equal a record set by Grand Flaneur 131 years ago.
Grand Flaneur, the 1880 Melbourne Cup winner, was retired undefeated after nine starts, the longest winning sequence on predominantly city tracks to start a race career by an Australian-trained galloper.
Grand Flaneur's benchmark has been equalled three times since but never bettered.
Mollison, a contemporary of the legendary Phar Lap, won his first nine starts before being defeated, as did Queensland's top filly of the mid-1960s, Eye Liner, and the brilliant Victorian juvenile, Rancher, 30 years ago.
In recent years, Sunline, Primrose Sands and Bentley Biscuit won their first eight races but were beaten when attempting to equal Grand Flaneur's record.
Moody is aware Black Caviar is racing for more than just Group One glory at Flemington. "She is out to create a piece of history which is great for the mare," Moody said.
"The record isn't going to change the way we go about anything, it's just business as usual this week, we will stick with her normal routine.
"But if she can make it nine successive wins, then I would certainly feel privileged to be associated with something like that record."
Black Caviar hasn't raced since her unforgettable runaway win in the Group One Patinack Farm Classic (1200m) at Flemington three months ago - a performance that prompted a panel of international handicappers to rate her the world's best sprinter last year.
Royal Ascot officials have flown Down Under for the Lightning Stakes with one mission - to get Moody's super mare for the famous English carnival in June.
Moody has set Black Caviar for six Group One races in three states this autumn and is lukewarm on taking her overseas this season. "I know the people from Royal Ascot are interested in Black Caviar but I don't think anything is going to change in regards to her campaign," he said.
The Lightning is the springboard to Royal Ascot with Choisir (2003), Takeover Target (2006), Miss Andretti (2007) and Scenic Blast (2009) all winning at Flemington before achieving international glory in England.
Also just seen this i highlighted the best part..BLACK Caviar - the world's highest rated sprinter - can equal the oldest record in Australian racing history if she wins the Group One $750,000 Coolmore Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on Saturd
The Lightning win was so so impressive, what a coup if she came to Royal Ascot - although looks unlikely.
Bidding to break the record so!Hope she does does it.The Lightning win was so so impressive, what a coup if she came to Royal Ascot - although looks unlikely.
Yea them Royal Ascot officials need to cough up the trainers petrol money to ship the super mare over here..Was there any comments made by the trainer about Royal Ascot after the lightning stakes win?
Yea them Royal Ascot officials need to cough up the trainers petrol money to ship the super mare over here..Was there any comments made by the trainer about Royal Ascot after the lightning stakes win?
Fell asleep last night so missed the race..But just seen the replay she makes winning look effortless every time..A real superstar would love to see them send her over for Royal Ascot..
Fell asleep last night so missed the race..But just seen the replay she makes winning look effortless every time..A real superstar would love to see them send her over for Royal Ascot..
Best sprinter you ever seen ELG? That's a big statement!
I'd love to see her in against some of the big international names: Sacred Kingdom, Rocket Man or JJ the Jet Plane.
Fantastic filly to be winning her 10th consecutive race in that sort of fashion though.
Stunning win again!Best sprinter you ever seen ELG? That's a big statement!I'd love to see her in against some of the big international names: Sacred Kingdom, Rocket Man or JJ the Jet Plane.Fantastic filly to be winning her 10th consecutive race in t
ive never seen a better sprinter....ive witnessed some top notchers over the years including dayjur but she is beyond belief.make the effort to watch all her runs not just the last 2 or 3 now people are raving about her.....she s been incredible for sometime.
ive never seen a better sprinter....ive witnessed some top notchers over the years including dayjur but she is beyond belief.make the effort to watch all her runs not just the last 2 or 3 now people are raving about her.....she s been incredible for
left the recent horsies by Chosir. Their old man can represent them. and the more recent winners in Hong Kong on a/c of Silent Witness being the champ their.
the turf behind that lot would be on fire imo!!!
Wonder who would win. All in their pomp. Silent WitnessBlack CaviarMarchand D'orOverdoseOasis Dream DayjurLochsongChosir TakeoverTargetMiss AndrettiRicksNaturalStar - Pacemaker ;-) remember him. lol. left the recent horsies by Chosir. Their old man