The moment racing fans in Sydney have been eagerly awaiting, the chance to see the world’s best racehorse Black Caviar in action, has been given the green light with trainer Peter Moody confirming at a press conference today that his queen of the turf will definitely line-up in the $1 million Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at the Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Peter Moody has confirmed Black Caviar as a definite runner in the TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick on Saturday
Earlier in the week Moody hinted that the recent bad weather in Sydney and subsequent deterioration to the Randwick track could force him to withdraw his superstar Black Caviar from her opening Sydney appearance.
Moody has determined that now is as good a time as any to test Black Caviar on Slow ground and the Bel Esprit four-year-old will run in the 2011 TJ Smith Stakes no matter what the track rating on Saturday is.
“She will take place for sure,” said Moody.
“The only issues I have had with a heavy track was in the Newmarket (Handicap) when she was given 7 or 8kg to her opposition.
“I have no fears of the track as she has worked on it competently at home and trialled on the equivalent of a Heavy (10) at Cranbourne.
“Basically she has not been in the situation when she has been let off the bridle a lot and most horses handle any ground when they are on the bridle.
“Facts and figures tell you the opposition cannot beat her without something going amiss, that is just plain and simple. I do not want to sound bullish about it but the majority of these horses she has met and beat them comprehensively,” Moody said.
Black Caviar has had 11 starts for as many wins throughout her stunning career to date but is yet to race on a track rated worse than a Dead (4).
Four of her wins have been on Dead ground, the remaining seven including her two most recent victories in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) and Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m), on Good.
On Saturday she will seek her 12th consecutive victory and her fifth at Group 1 level.
Black Caviar was the top-line entry in an 11-horse TJ Smith Stakes final field and drew well with barrier five.
When TJ Smith Stakes betting markets were released this afternoon, Black Caviar opened as the $1.20 favourite.
With money now set to come in for the favourite after Moody’s confirmation she will not be scratched from the field, that price is likely to firm right in to a quote close to the $1.09 she started the William Reid Stakes at last start.
The course proper at Royal Randwick is currently rated as a Slow (6).
Although showers are forecast for the next few days in Sydney, latest reports are for rain to ease and Saturday to be a fine and 25 degrees.
The Australian Turf Club’s CEO Darren Pearce confirmed that the course has handled the recent weather well.
“I expect the track to race well on Saturday and it is in fine order,” Pearce said.
The 2011 Darley T J Smith Stakes will run as Randwick Race 5 on Saturday at 2:20pm (AEST) accompanying the day’s marquee race, the $1.5 million Group 1 AJC Australian Derby (2400m).
