At somewhere about 4:50am UK time, Black Caviar will for the first time in her career, step out over the 1400m trip, chasing her 18th straight win. This is a big moment for the mare and her connections. If she should struggle at the distance, serious doubts will be raised about her travels abroad. Pete Moody has stressed that the two undulating courses in the UK indicate the need of a strong 1400m horse. He is supremely confident though that she will acquit herself well in the G1 Orr Stakes at Caulfield. Fingers crossed that all will be well. Here's an eye opening piece from the Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/sport/horseracing/how-does-caviar-rate-against-the-greats-20120210-1sm8h.html
Thanks for posting that Cyc, a fascinating article and the stats in there really do hammer home what a beast she is. A stride length of over 8m? This just beggars belief
As RV points out, she does not have all that much sprinting talent to beat, but every now and then, a stayer can put in a decent effort first up. A Melbourne Cup winner in Efficient and a Caulfield Cup winner, Southern Speed will be here first up. Between them, they've won better than $6.5 million. They are not trees, but neither is she. It should be a walk in the park.
Cyc look forward to her winning again. Don't think I will be getting up early this time but will certainly set the race to record
Nice article cyc... What a picture of Phar Lap that is... The jockey so low in the seat, plus his feet right through to his heel. Most jockeys do get low, but not that low and most stay on their toes nowadays... As for the records i suppose you are going to get some saying that Balck Caviar isnt as good as... etc because of the numbers, but thats not BC's problem. As the article reads, she may just not run up the races to break these records... What is true though, she is a very, very special horse... And if im still awake after tonights work i may well try and watch her... Good on yer cyc...
Fingers crossed that she bolts up and proves to be even better over further...not sure if thats physically possible though.
Strange thing DBF, their is a strong belief that whe'll get a mile. Some are even thinking of the 10f Cox Plate at the end of the year.
She'll win unextended, I don't think thats in any doubt. Shes not running against much from what I can see and shes recieving 4lb nearly all round. I think what Moody wants to see is a strong finish which will give him confidence in a strong 1200m at Ascot. I think every racing fan wants to see her go unbeaten leading up to Ascot. It will be a travesty if we don't get to see this mare on our shores this summer...
Forget the cox plate! If shes proves to be a better horse over further and does stay 10f,then P.Moody and co should keep her over in the UK and attempt to take down Frankel. Yes i know im blabbering but its a scenario we all dream of.
A clash would be something else. Major headlines around the racing world. As you say though, probably never happen.
I'd love to see that DancingBrave... I just think they'd have a job harnessing her speed and power in the early stages of a stiff mile over here in England, I think she'd burn out at the business end and as we know Frankel is solid at the business end of a race. I can't see it ever happening from a racing prospective and a breeding prospective. Them unbeaten records could be worth millions and millions at stud!
Ista, I don't think her being unbeaten really makes all that much difference now. Her foals are going to be worth a fortune, she's guaranteed that already. Same goes for Frankel.
I heard this is closer than you may think - she's definitely heading to these shores around May/June I'm told....
I think she travels far too smoothly and well within herself to be burnt out at the business end of any race IMO.And its entirely possible that they havent even scratched the surface of her true ability yet. And bollox to unbeaten records,its not as if K.Abdulla would be signing on the dole should something go amiss.
Some might not agree, but I don't believe that either horse had dodged a real challenge. They only have so many decent runs in them each season, so they've done well. If a possible clash was arranged, I don't thing either camp would dodge it.
