By how far? That’s the big question as we build up to the 9.55pm AEDT start time and Black Caviar’s 24th win in the 2013 William Reid Stakes. Join us for live race updates and a blog of all the action.
The big news leading into tonight’s race is that this isn’t necessarily – as first thought – Black Caviar’s Victorian swansong.
In a big warning to her opposition, trainer Peter Moody has the six-year old in fine fettle and sees no reason why stumps should be pulled at the end of this campaign.
Black Caviar heads into the Williams Reid (1200m, Group 1, weight-for-age) off a month’s break after lowering the Flemington track record in her first race after Royal Ascot, the Black Caviar Lightning (1000m, Group 1, weight-for-age).
On that occasion, she turned the clock a few seasons by producing one of her greatest performances.
Tonight Black Caviar goes in search of her 14th Group 1 victory and when she passes the post first that will put her on par with Kingston Town – the other great champion of the modern era – who also won 14 Group 1s during his career.
Black Caviar can also post her seventh Group 1 victory in as many starts, equalling the record of champion English miler Rock of Gibraltar.
The all-time record for Group 1 wins in consecutive starts is shared by fellow 21st century marvels Frankel and Zenyatta at nine.
With every start, Black Caviar is moving further and further into folklore. But tonight, the challenge posed by her six competitors is minimal. Black Caviar is 25/1-on ($1.04) favourite and there’s more chance of the sky falling in than her losing.
She is lengths superior to every runner in this race and a winning margin of over five lengths is more likely than not.
Only Spirit Of Boom and Karuta Queen are sprinters and neither of them of the weight-for-age variety. They should fight out the minor placings.
If they aren’t up to the challenge, milers Luckygray, Good Ba Ba, Linton and Fawkner have the quality to place at the unsuitable distance of 1200m.
But, in reality, expect a Black Caviar whitewash. She should have too much speed at the start and control the race from the lead or from outside the lead. From there, the challengers will need to jump on motorbikes to get close.
Rain was predicted on Thursday and should have slowed the track to the extent that a track record is out of the question tonight.
Tips
Black Caviar by five lengths, outside of track record time. I’m going with Spirit Of Boom to claim second.
POST RACE EDITListen to Gerard Whateley’s call here
Cam Rose
Guest
It's more of an explosion of joy than a roar actually. Smiles and grins all round. What a privilege.
Justin Cinque
Expert
Thanks for your company tonight.
Justin Cinque
Expert
So there it is Roarers Black Caviar by four lengths in a soft, effortless victory. Going as good as ever and onto Sydney for the TJ Smith on April 13! See you there
Justin Cinque
Expert
Luke Nolen When she's finally retired - and I'm hoping it's not soon - we'll have plenty of memories
Justin Cinque
Expert
Thank-you Mr Hawkins!
Justin Cinque
Expert
Peter Moody: 24 down. Look forward to 25. Don't know where we may stop!
Andrew Hawkins
Expert
Official margins: 4L x 1/2L
Justin Cinque
Expert
Dennis Napthine, Vic Premier, Racing Minister: We love Black Caviar. She's a world champion
Justin Cinque
Expert
Presentation on now... Usually it's a snooze fest at the races but my ears are pealed for some good quotes.
Justin Cinque
Expert
So to recap on the win: Black Caviar was sort of slow away. But there was no speed and she easily found the spot outside of the leader Karuta Queen. There was no pressure until the 400m. Then it got hot and in about 100m, she was in control and away! Pulled up at the line for a soft victory. I think, the way she's racing, 1400m or a mile, wouldn't trouble her. Her acceleration was good tonight but not lightning. I know the speed was slow but she's six years old. She should relish 1400m. She's in such great nick, the All Aged (1400m on April 27) has to be on the agenda.
Justin Cinque
Expert
I think Luke was trying to say that sometimes the pressure of having the mare in work gets too much and he enjoys the odd break when she spells. But even then, it's not long before he misses Black Caviar.
Justin Cinque
Expert
14 Group 1s for Black Caviar. That puts her on par with Kingston Town
Justin Cinque
Expert
Luke Nolen: "It's been a wonderful ride. The whole time. Don't get me wrong, she's been in work a lot and you get you sick of the prep and look forward to her going to the paddock. And she's only there for a week and then you look forward to her coming back"
Justin Cinque
Expert
Luke Nolen: "The build-up....the only thing I'm not in love with. Would've loved a half hour gap (between races) so there's less time to think. "She didn't disappoint anyone tonight" "She felt amazing to me."
Justin Cinque
Expert
Black Caviar returns to scale. She's not even having much of a blow. "That's too easy," she says! And it was.
Justin Cinque
Expert
Just like a Cox Plate champion Luke Nolen takes Black Caviar to the outside fence. They hang over it to applaud the mare. Super!
Justin Cinque
Expert
Black Caviar back before the crowd. She recieves her applause "Only thing that will stop her running is wet tracks. Onward to the TJ now" - Peter Moody. Gear up Sydney! Randwick, April 13. 1200m WFA G1
Justin Cinque
Expert
Well said Cameron! How loud was the roar?
Justin Cinque
Expert
Peter Moody: It's scary how well she's going Winning margin about four lengths. Good off a slow speed. It's was just a dash home. And she was far too quick for them.
Cam Rose
Guest
Being here, you get a little nervous in the run. You don't want her to lose while you're there! Chills in the straight as she extends, and a release of nervous energy. What an animal.