Undefeated Black Caviar made it look it easy again Jan. 27 with her 17th victory, this time at Moonee Valley in Melbourne, Australia, in the group II MVRC Australia Stakes.
Ridden as usual by Luke Nolen, the 5-year-old champion mare rated in third just off the early leaders through a fast pace, breezed up to take the lead on the turn, and drew away to win by 4 1/4 lengths in 1:09.44 for 1,200 meters (about six furlongs) on a course rated good. Her time was just off the course record set by Miss Andretti in 2006.
Zedi Knight was second, with Doubtful Jack third.
Nolen said Black Caviar relaxed early and did the rest on her own. “I gave her a squeeze so she didn’t get complacent,” the jockey said.
“It’s wonderful to see her back in great shape,” trainer Peter Moody said of Black Caviar, who won her 16th race Nov. 5, 2011, and then got a brief rest. “She’s great for the industry. We need this. It puts (racing) on the front page for the right reasons.”
According to reports the crowd at Moonee Valley was large, so much so officials had to open the gates and let people in for free because of long lines.
Black Caviar, by Bel Esprit, is owned by a syndicate managed by Neil Werrett. She was bred in Victoria by Ric Jamieson and now has seven group I and seven group II victories, all in her native Australia.
Black Caviar could make her next start in February in the group I Orr Stakes at Caulfield in Victoria, according to published reports. The race is at 1,400 meters (about seven furlongs).