Champion mare Black Caviar has cruised to her 14th consecutive victory at her racetrack return at Caulfield, keeping her perfect record intact.
Trainer Peter Moody admitted he was relieved after Black Caviar delighted the big crowd when she moved up alongside Queanbeyan flyer Karuta Queen on the home turn in the Schillaci Stakes.
She thrilled them when she stretched away in the straight under hands and heels riding from Luke Nolen.
“It has been a build-up like no other,” Moody said.
“There is always the fear that something can go wrong.
“It’s pure relief to have her back in great shape.”
Karuta Queen was a gallant 4-1/4 lengths second with Stirling Grove another long neck third.
Nolen said Black Caviar always had Saturday’s Group Two race in her keeping.
“She travelled well and was in control of the race a long way from home,” he said.
The Schillaci (1000m) was Black Caviar’s first start since she won the Group One BTC Cup at Doomben in May.
Moody said the mare was more mature as a five-year-old and ready to take on the world, with Royal Ascot next June the likely target.
AAP TURF