Queensland racing fans are already preparing their salmon and black polka dot decorations as the sunshine state gears up for a bit of Black Caviar magic during the 2011 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival.
Black Caviar will now head to Brisbane for the Winter Carnival
The world’s best thoroughbred is heading up to Queensland to tackle the winter riches on offer at Doomben after Moody’s brilliant Bel Esprit four-year-old maintained her flawless record at Randwick’s AJC Derby Day on Saturday taking out the $1 million Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m).
Black Caviar is now set to head to Brisbane undefeated in her 12 career starts to date, the five-time Group 1 winning superstar just two races off the mighty Phar Lap’s record of 14 successive victories.
She could very well equal that record in Brisbane next month with Moody looking at two Group 1 races for his $3.2 million earner.
Black Caviar has both the $400,000 Group 1 BTC Cup (1200m) on May 14 and the $600,000 Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1350m) in her sights.
Of the Doomben 10,000, there have already been queries over whether the queen will be able to perform so effortlessly over the increased distance.
Moody, however, is unperturbed and remains confident in her ability over a distance slightly longer than her pet 1200m sprint.
“She’s got that relaxed, laid back mannerism about her,” Moody said.
“She could probably run any trip you wanted.
“Maybe she could stretch out to a mile (1600m) or a mile and a quarter (2000m).
“But for now…we go to Brisbane for the BTC Cup.”
The Brisbane Winter Carnival runs from Saturday May 14 through until June 25 when Eagle Farm hosts their Winter Stakes Day meeting.
Following her Brisbane campaign there are talks of an international trip for Australia’s favourite horse where Black Caviar could be given the opportunity to once and for all prove her world class status on the international stage.
The Hong Kong International Sprint at Sha Tin in December is a very real possibility for Black Caviar.
“We are enjoying the ride at the moment and it’s great for Australian racing to have her here but there is a lot of pressure to take her overseas,” Moody said.
“If everything continues to go well in the spring I will probably recommend to the owners to go to Hong Kong in December.
“The Hong Kong International Sprint is the first option, the race is what I consider the spring sprint world championship.”
There are also the Dubai races and those at Royal Ascot in 2012 that could be on Black Caviar’s agenda.
But for now the Australian racing fans are just happy to have the chance to watch a horse as good as her.
