Royal Ascot 2011
To open Royal Ascot 2011, The Queen unveiled a magnificent bronze sculpture in the Ascot's main paddock of Coolmore's stallion, Yeats, who is the only horse to win Ascot's Gold Cup four times.
It set a quality tone for international racegoers and fans on the first day of Royal Ascot which offers three Group 1 races featuring some of the world's top Turf horses.
This year is also the first year of the British Champions' Series and winners of those three Group 1s qualify for inclusion.
The King's Stand Stakes also qualified for the Global Sprint Challenge.
Breeders' Cup executives actively scout the races on Day 1 and 2 for talent to include in their November championship races which will be held November 4 and 5 at Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY.
Arguably the first and third races generated the most interest generated by the presence of Canford Cliffs, Cape Blanco, Goldikova in the first and mega-star Frankel in the third.
The Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m)for 4yo+
Canford Cliffs got the better of Goldikova. Photo ©David Hastings
Flash Dance was pacemaker for Freddie Head's Goldikova, 6yo triple Breeders' Cup Mile winner and 13-Group 1 winner, who was sent out with her jockey Olivier Peslier weighing in two pounds overweight.*
Handicap officials acknowledge that the extra weight negated her fillies' allowance and cost her a length.
With trainer Richard Hannon gunning for blood after his colt Paco Boy's multiple losses to the mare (costing him over £1.5 million in earnings) and a very fit Canford Cliffs under top jockey Richard Hughes, Goldikova could expect no mercy.
With the weight disadvantage, her jockey should not have taken the lead too early if he wanted to avoid setting her up as a sitting duck.
Further, he did not appear notice Canford Cliffs oncoming assault 1f out and responded too late for even a dead heat.
Goldikova is a mare who will always try with her tremendous speed and determination if she gets the jockey signal soon enough. She did not get it and came in second by 1 length.
Cityscape was another 1¾ lengths in third. The talented Cape Blanco had an off day 16 lengths behind the winner and beat only Flash Dance home and behind Rio De La Plata and Ransom Note.
The King's Stand Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series and Global Sprint Challenge), 5f (5/8m, 1000m) for 3y0+
Nineteen runners from eight countries competed in this sharp 5f sprint and the impressive foreign competitors looked to have the advantage over Britain's horses.
Robert Cowell's four-year-old gelding, Prohibit, beat out three foreign-trained horses in a tight close with Australia's Star Witness, South Africa's mare Sweet Sanette and Hungary's speedster Overdose.
Prohibit races best from behind under a strong pace and he got his conditions paying 7/1.
He gave Ballydoyle's Zoffany the chance to streak from the rear 1f out to nearly, but never able to, catch him.
Favourite Kingsgate Native at 11/2 was 3¾ lengths behind the winner in sixth and the second favourite at 13/2, Sole Power, was eighth by 4¼ lengths.
*In Peslier's attempt to lose his extra 2 pounds, he took a sauna and grabbed boots which looked like his. They were not and he was fined £650. Not his best day.
The St James's Palace Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 3yo entire colts
The world's highest-rated horse, unbeaten Frankel, won his cliffhanger St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
This must be the race of races at this year's Royal Ascot.
There is no adequate description of the excitement leading up to seeing the world's highest rated horse, Frankel, annihilate another hapless field of the year's best three-year olds.
Yet confused signals between the pacemaker Rerouted who went too fast burning himself out early and the wilful Frankel who forced himself into the lead 2f out and then dawdled almost contemptuously.
The playful Frankel left part of the audience holding its collective breathe and other sounding as if they were having heart attacks with the tension.
After watching Goldikova's being pipped, it was good to see jockey Tom Queally rally his colt thereby averting disaster.
Zoffany has the rare distinction of getting closest to the Wonder at a ¾ length, but only because of a failed Cecil (Sir Henry) team tactic.
Cecil promised to change tactics in future races and defended his jockey from what he felt was unfair criticism.
Marco Botti's Excelebration lost again to Frankel - this time ceding second to Zoffany and just holding third from Neebras by a head. They were 2¼ and 2½ lengths behind the winner.
The other five competitors were too far behind to be in the same class: Dream Ahead, Dubawi Gold, Wootton Bassett, Grand Prix Boss from Japan and pacemaker Rerouted.
The three races were fast on good ground, but this race was the fastest by 0.76s (1m 39.24s).
One can only admire Sir Henry Cecil for allowing the Juddmonte colt his head and experimenting with different tactics.
He is not playing it safe. Frankel will have his chance to show how good he really is.
Day Two
Races with international 'star' horses and good weather increased Royal Ascot's opening day crowd by 10% over last year to 43,354. Even Tote betting increased by 14% over last year to £1,245,535.
The second day of Royal Ascot has three world-class Group races which were full of surprises and without a favourite winning.
The Jersey Stakes (Group 3), 7f (7/8m, 1400m) for 3yo
After seeing Richard Hannon's Strong Suit in the saddling area, it was difficult to imagine the imposing colt not being the favourite (11/1), but Codemaster was at 7/4.
Strong Suit was one of last year's best two-year olds. Breathing problems developed this year and he had surgery to relieve the difficulty.
When he powered up, Codemaster and the third Western Aristocrat at 9/2 had no answer. Strong Suit was out front by ½ length and a neck in 1m 26.09s (fast by 0.61s).
The victory gave trainer Richard Hannon and son-in-law Richard Hughes their second Group victory in Royal Ascot's opening races.
The Windsor Forest Stakes (Group 2), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 4yo+ fillies and mares
Ireland's Lolly For Dolly bested 12 far more experienced and higher-rated fillies to win by 1½ lengths over Sir Henry Cecil's Chachamaidee and David Simcock's First City (by another length).
Tommy Stack, trainer of the winner. attributed her victory to staying ability and newly-fitted blinkers. Wayne Lordan gave her a perfect ride and was thrilled with his first win at Royal Ascot.
The Prince of Wales's Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m2f (10f, 1¼m, 2000m) for 4yo+
Frankie Dettori's flying dismount from Godolphin's Rewilding after winning the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
This race probably had the most shocking conclusion of any during the meet.
Ballydoyle's famous import from Australia, So You Think NZ, was sent out 4/11 favourite. Any and all would probably have done battle over his being the one sure winner of the day.
Godolphin did not agree and they sent in their Debussy and Rewilding, winner of the Dubai Sheema Classic, to take on the challenge.
Debussy is a better frontrunning horse at 7f or a mile and Rewilding is a true 1m4f stayer who lags in the back to make bursting closes.
Godolphin bet on So You Think's actually not being a stayer and Rewilding having the ability to handle a sharper trip than usual. And they have jockey Frankie Dettori.
The saddling-up area is the best place to assess the fitness and mood of potential winners. Those three horses, plus the underestimated Sri Putra, looked the best.
I bet on the sleek and lightly-raced Rewilding, half brother of Dar Re Mi by dam Darara, who looked outstanding to me.
Jan Vermeer, who was So You Think's pacemaker, missed the break and took 2f to get to the front putting SYT in second to be closely shadowed by Debussy.
Ryan Moore had trouble settling his mount SYT who was sweating in the paddock.
Once they hit the front, it appeared the race was locked down 1f out until the Dettori torpedo shot from back of the pack to wear down So You Think winning by a neck with Sri Putra third 6 lengths out.
The crowd was stunned and Godolphin jubilant.
Dettori did his flying dismount after earning himself a nine-day ban for excessive use of the whip.
Aidan O'Brien claimed his horse lost, because he was not fit enough. Australians and New Zealanders had much more unkind assessments.
Day Three
The third day of Royal Ascot draws the largest crowd of the Meet as it is Ladies' Day and the ladies come in droves to outdo each other in fashion.
It is also Gold Cup Day. For the last four years, the race was won by Yeats who is now retired to the Coolmore Stud and commemorated on Day One by The Queen when unveiling his statue in the main paddock.
This year's tussle for Royal Ascot's iconic was between the two major racing empires: Opinion Poll for Godolphin (Darley) and Fame And Glory for Ballydoyle (Coolmore).
The Gold Cup (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 2m4f (20f, 2½m, 4000m) for 4yo+
Yeats' worthy successor Fame And Glory outclassed Royal Ascot's Gold Cup field winning by 3 lengths over Opinion Poll. Photo ©David Hastings
The race was slowly run in 4m 37.51s (16.51s) and perfectly set up for jockey Jamie Spencer to bring Ballydoyle's relaxed Fame And Glory to the front of 14 other competitors in the final furlongs of the Gold Cup.
His stamina gave him the edge in the staying race over Godolphin's respected Opinion Poll and trainer Andre Fabre's accomplished Brigantin who raced for owners Team Valor.
Fame And Glory won easily by 3 lengths over Opinion Poll and a further 4½ lengths over Brigantin.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien confirmed that the five-year old horse will be prepared for October's Arc de Triomphe and he will return to Royal Ascot next year to try to equal or best Yeats' Gold Cup record.
Day Four
Thursday at Royal Ascot may be Ladies' Day, but the fourth day of Royal Ascot or Friday has the showcase mile race for the best international fillies of the three-year-old Classic generation.
The Corronation Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 3yo fillies
Robert Collet and son brought their dynamic filly duo, Immortal Verse and Nova Hawk, from France to take first and second in Royal Ascot's Coronation Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Twelve fillies competed led by some of Britain and Ireland's best females.
France's Robert and son Ron Collet believed they had two of the best three-year old fillies, Immortal Verse and Nova Hawk, of 2011 and committed them to Royal Ascot's prestigious Coronation Stakes.
They were right. The beautiful Immortal Verse beat her beautiful compatriot Nova Hawk by 2¼ lengths followed a half length by Richard Fahey's Barefoot Lady.
The British were stunned but gracious to the happy Frenchmen. Regretfully, there is some truth in the French trainers complaint to the French press that they received only a tepid reception for their victories.
The King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2), 1m4f (12f, 1½m, 2400m) for colts and geldings
Trainer John Gosden usually has good reasons when he brings a three-year-old colt who has only won a maiden to compete in one Royal Ascot's Group 2 historic races.
Nathaniel was second to Treasure Beach in the Group 3 Chester Vase and did not face as stiff competition in the King Edward.
The handsome Nathaniel, who has proven to be best at 12 furlongs, waltzed 5 lengths past his nearest rival (of nine) Fiorente and another 2 lengths ahead of Alexander Pope in a slow 2m 34.48s (slow by 4.48s).
Young jockey William Buick rode Nathaniel to perfection.
The team is just beginning its upward curve for they have a very talented colt.
Day Five
Royal Ascot's closing day on Saturday is often family day which has one of the best races for two-year olds and a prestigious 6f sprint which is part of the Global Sprint Challenge along with the 5f King's Stands Stakes won by Britain's Prohibit on opening day.
Many foreign sprinters come to Royal Ascot just to compete in both races as the 5 and 6 furlong distances.
Until recently the British sprinters were easy prey for the superior foreign horses, but that has changed with Prohibit and Society Rock (below).
The Golden Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series and Global Sprint Challenge, 6f
Society Rock outpowered Monsieur Chevalier and Star Witness in Royal Ascot's Golden Jubilee Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Australia's Star Witness travelled to Royal Ascot to compete in both its Global Sprint Challenge races a 5 and 6 furlongs.
He was unfortunate to be touched off by Prohibit in the King's Stands Stakes, but had no excuses when he lost to Society Rock by 1¾ lengths. He was third 1¼ lengths behind trainer Richard Hannon's Monsieur Chevalier who has recovered much of his earlier form.
Trainer James Fanshawe always seems to produce a winner at Royal Ascot.
The Chesham Stakes (Listed Race), 7f for 2yo fillies and colts
Future star Maybe in the Ballydoyle Tabor colours imposed herself on 15 other 2y olds by 2¼ lengths in Royal Ascot's Chesham Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Sometimes trainers are overly enthusiastic about their horses, but Aidan O'Brien's words about his two-year-old filly Maybe were understatements.
With Ryan Moore on board, the filly was sent out 5/2 favourite in Royal Ascot's Chesham Stakes and she thrashed the field of 16 - 2¼ lengths in front of Fort Bastion and another 3 lengths before Self Centered.
The youngster is a very finished professional filly and one expects great things from her.
The O'Brien/Moore team also won the second race of the day, the Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2), 1m4f for 4yo+, with four-year-old colt Await The Dawn who beat Harris Tweed by 3 lengths and Drunken Sailor in third.
Overall World Top Ten Ratings
Outstanding winners and seconds enhanced their reputations on the World Top Ten Ratings with their Royal Ascot Turf performances:
Canford Cliffs and Goldikova rose to 130 and 126 respectively for the Queen Anne race.
Rewilding and So You Think raised their ratings to 130 and 129 respectively for the Prince of Wales's Stakes.
Frankel retains his 133 world leader rating for the 2000 Guineas though his impressive St James's Palace Stakes did not rate a 133.
Workforce earned his 127 from the Brigadeer Gerard and did not compete in Royal Ascot.
Five of the world's top Turf horses competed at Royal Ascot and six of the 11 are European.
Posted June 19, 2011
Royal Ascot Will Set Season's Form Again
To open Royal Ascot 2011, The Queen unveiled a magnificent bronze sculpture in the Ascot's main paddock of Coolmore's stallion, Yeats, who is the only horse to win Ascot's Gold Cup four times.
It set a quality tone for international racegoers and fans on the first day of Royal Ascot which offers three Group 1 races featuring some of the world's top Turf horses.
This year is also the first year of the British Champions' Series and winners of those three Group 1s qualify for inclusion.
The King's Stand Stakes also qualified for the Global Sprint Challenge.
Breeders' Cup executives actively scout the races on Day 1 and 2 for talent to include in their November championship races which will be held November 4 and 5 at Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY.
Arguably the first and third races generated the most interest generated by the presence of Canford Cliffs, Cape Blanco, Goldikova in the first and mega-star Frankel in the third.
The Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m)for 4yo+
Canford Cliffs got the better of Goldikova. Photo ©David Hastings
Flash Dance was pacemaker for Freddie Head's Goldikova, 6yo triple Breeders' Cup Mile winner and 13-Group 1 winner, who was sent out with her jockey Olivier Peslier weighing in two pounds overweight.*
Handicap officials acknowledge that the extra weight negated her fillies' allowance and cost her a length.
With trainer Richard Hannon gunning for blood after his colt Paco Boy's multiple losses to the mare (costing him over £1.5 million in earnings) and a very fit Canford Cliffs under top jockey Richard Hughes, Goldikova could expect no mercy.
With the weight disadvantage, her jockey should not have taken the lead too early if he wanted to avoid setting her up as a sitting duck.
Further, he did not appear notice Canford Cliffs oncoming assault 1f out and responded too late for even a dead heat.
Goldikova is a mare who will always try with her tremendous speed and determination if she gets the jockey signal soon enough. She did not get it and came in second by 1 length.
Cityscape was another 1¾ lengths in third. The talented Cape Blanco had an off day 16 lengths behind the winner and beat only Flash Dance home and behind Rio De La Plata and Ransom Note.
The King's Stand Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series and Global Sprint Challenge), 5f (5/8m, 1000m) for 3y0+
Nineteen runners from eight countries competed in this sharp 5f sprint and the impressive foreign competitors looked to have the advantage over Britain's horses.
Robert Cowell's four-year-old gelding, Prohibit, beat out three foreign-trained horses in a tight close with Australia's Star Witness, South Africa's mare Sweet Sanette and Hungary's speedster Overdose.
Prohibit races best from behind under a strong pace and he got his conditions paying 7/1.
He gave Ballydoyle's Zoffany the chance to streak from the rear 1f out to nearly, but never able to, catch him.
Favourite Kingsgate Native at 11/2 was 3¾ lengths behind the winner in sixth and the second favourite at 13/2, Sole Power, was eighth by 4¼ lengths.
*In Peslier's attempt to lose his extra 2 pounds, he took a sauna and grabbed boots which looked like his. They were not and he was fined £650. Not his best day.
The St James's Palace Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 3yo entire colts
The world's highest-rated horse, unbeaten Frankel, won his cliffhanger St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
This must be the race of races at this year's Royal Ascot.
There is no adequate description of the excitement leading up to seeing the world's highest rated horse, Frankel, annihilate another hapless field of the year's best three-year olds.
Yet confused signals between the pacemaker Rerouted who went too fast burning himself out early and the wilful Frankel who forced himself into the lead 2f out and then dawdled almost contemptuously.
The playful Frankel left part of the audience holding its collective breathe and other sounding as if they were having heart attacks with the tension.
After watching Goldikova's being pipped, it was good to see jockey Tom Queally rally his colt thereby averting disaster.
Zoffany has the rare distinction of getting closest to the Wonder at a ¾ length, but only because of a failed Cecil (Sir Henry) team tactic.
Cecil promised to change tactics in future races and defended his jockey from what he felt was unfair criticism.
Marco Botti's Excelebration lost again to Frankel - this time ceding second to Zoffany and just holding third from Neebras by a head. They were 2¼ and 2½ lengths behind the winner.
The other five competitors were too far behind to be in the same class: Dream Ahead, Dubawi Gold, Wootton Bassett, Grand Prix Boss from Japan and pacemaker Rerouted.
The three races were fast on good ground, but this race was the fastest by 0.76s (1m 39.24s).
One can only admire Sir Henry Cecil for allowing the Juddmonte colt his head and experimenting with different tactics.
He is not playing it safe. Frankel will have his chance to show how good he really is.
Day Two
Races with international 'star' horses and good weather increased Royal Ascot's opening day crowd by 10% over last year to 43,354. Even Tote betting increased by 14% over last year to £1,245,535.
The second day of Royal Ascot has three world-class Group races which were full of surprises and without a favourite winning.
The Jersey Stakes (Group 3), 7f (7/8m, 1400m) for 3yo
After seeing Richard Hannon's Strong Suit in the saddling area, it was difficult to imagine the imposing colt not being the favourite (11/1), but Codemaster was at 7/4.
Strong Suit was one of last year's best two-year olds. Breathing problems developed this year and he had surgery to relieve the difficulty.
When he powered up, Codemaster and the third Western Aristocrat at 9/2 had no answer. Strong Suit was out front by ½ length and a neck in 1m 26.09s (fast by 0.61s).
The victory gave trainer Richard Hannon and son-in-law Richard Hughes their second Group victory in Royal Ascot's opening races.
The Windsor Forest Stakes (Group 2), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 4yo+ fillies and mares
Ireland's Lolly For Dolly bested 12 far more experienced and higher-rated fillies to win by 1½ lengths over Sir Henry Cecil's Chachamaidee and David Simcock's First City (by another length).
Tommy Stack, trainer of the winner. attributed her victory to staying ability and newly-fitted blinkers. Wayne Lordan gave her a perfect ride and was thrilled with his first win at Royal Ascot.
The Prince of Wales's Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m2f (10f, 1¼m, 2000m) for 4yo+
Frankie Dettori's flying dismount from Godolphin's Rewilding after winning the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
This race probably had the most shocking conclusion of any during the meet.
Ballydoyle's famous import from Australia, So You Think NZ, was sent out 4/11 favourite. Any and all would probably have done battle over his being the one sure winner of the day.
Godolphin did not agree and they sent in their Debussy and Rewilding, winner of the Dubai Sheema Classic, to take on the challenge.
Debussy is a better frontrunning horse at 7f or a mile and Rewilding is a true 1m4f stayer who lags in the back to make bursting closes.
Godolphin bet on So You Think's actually not being a stayer and Rewilding having the ability to handle a sharper trip than usual. And they have jockey Frankie Dettori.
The saddling-up area is the best place to assess the fitness and mood of potential winners. Those three horses, plus the underestimated Sri Putra, looked the best.
I bet on the sleek and lightly-raced Rewilding, half brother of Dar Re Mi by dam Darara, who looked outstanding to me.
Jan Vermeer, who was So You Think's pacemaker, missed the break and took 2f to get to the front putting SYT in second to be closely shadowed by Debussy.
Ryan Moore had trouble settling his mount SYT who was sweating in the paddock.
Once they hit the front, it appeared the race was locked down 1f out until the Dettori torpedo shot from back of the pack to wear down So You Think winning by a neck with Sri Putra third 6 lengths out.
The crowd was stunned and Godolphin jubilant.
Dettori did his flying dismount after earning himself a nine-day ban for excessive use of the whip.
Aidan O'Brien claimed his horse lost, because he was not fit enough. Australians and New Zealanders had much more unkind assessments.
Day Three
The third day of Royal Ascot draws the largest crowd of the Meet as it is Ladies' Day and the ladies come in droves to outdo each other in fashion.
It is also Gold Cup Day. For the last four years, the race was won by Yeats who is now retired to the Coolmore Stud and commemorated on Day One by The Queen when unveiling his statue in the main paddock.
This year's tussle for Royal Ascot's iconic was between the two major racing empires: Opinion Poll for Godolphin (Darley) and Fame And Glory for Ballydoyle (Coolmore).
The Gold Cup (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 2m4f (20f, 2½m, 4000m) for 4yo+
Yeats' worthy successor Fame And Glory outclassed Royal Ascot's Gold Cup field winning by 3 lengths over Opinion Poll. Photo ©David Hastings
The race was slowly run in 4m 37.51s (16.51s) and perfectly set up for jockey Jamie Spencer to bring Ballydoyle's relaxed Fame And Glory to the front of 14 other competitors in the final furlongs of the Gold Cup.
His stamina gave him the edge in the staying race over Godolphin's respected Opinion Poll and trainer Andre Fabre's accomplished Brigantin who raced for owners Team Valor.
Fame And Glory won easily by 3 lengths over Opinion Poll and a further 4½ lengths over Brigantin.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien confirmed that the five-year old horse will be prepared for October's Arc de Triomphe and he will return to Royal Ascot next year to try to equal or best Yeats' Gold Cup record.
Day Four
Thursday at Royal Ascot may be Ladies' Day, but the fourth day of Royal Ascot or Friday has the showcase mile race for the best international fillies of the three-year-old Classic generation.
The Corronation Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 3yo fillies
Robert Collet and son brought their dynamic filly duo, Immortal Verse and Nova Hawk, from France to take first and second in Royal Ascot's Coronation Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Twelve fillies competed led by some of Britain and Ireland's best females.
France's Robert and son Ron Collet believed they had two of the best three-year old fillies, Immortal Verse and Nova Hawk, of 2011 and committed them to Royal Ascot's prestigious Coronation Stakes.
They were right. The beautiful Immortal Verse beat her beautiful compatriot Nova Hawk by 2¼ lengths followed a half length by Richard Fahey's Barefoot Lady.
The British were stunned but gracious to the happy Frenchmen. Regretfully, there is some truth in the French trainers complaint to the French press that they received only a tepid reception for their victories.
The King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2), 1m4f (12f, 1½m, 2400m) for colts and geldings
Trainer John Gosden usually has good reasons when he brings a three-year-old colt who has only won a maiden to compete in one Royal Ascot's Group 2 historic races.
Nathaniel was second to Treasure Beach in the Group 3 Chester Vase and did not face as stiff competition in the King Edward.
The handsome Nathaniel, who has proven to be best at 12 furlongs, waltzed 5 lengths past his nearest rival (of nine) Fiorente and another 2 lengths ahead of Alexander Pope in a slow 2m 34.48s (slow by 4.48s).
Young jockey William Buick rode Nathaniel to perfection.
The team is just beginning its upward curve for they have a very talented colt.
Day Five
Royal Ascot's closing day on Saturday is often family day which has one of the best races for two-year olds and a prestigious 6f sprint which is part of the Global Sprint Challenge along with the 5f King's Stands Stakes won by Britain's Prohibit on opening day.
Many foreign sprinters come to Royal Ascot just to compete in both races as the 5 and 6 furlong distances.
Until recently the British sprinters were easy prey for the superior foreign horses, but that has changed with Prohibit and Society Rock (below).
The Golden Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series and Global Sprint Challenge, 6f
Society Rock outpowered Monsieur Chevalier and Star Witness in Royal Ascot's Golden Jubilee Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Australia's Star Witness travelled to Royal Ascot to compete in both its Global Sprint Challenge races a 5 and 6 furlongs.
He was unfortunate to be touched off by Prohibit in the King's Stands Stakes, but had no excuses when he lost to Society Rock by 1¾ lengths. He was third 1¼ lengths behind trainer Richard Hannon's Monsieur Chevalier who has recovered much of his earlier form.
Trainer James Fanshawe always seems to produce a winner at Royal Ascot.
The Chesham Stakes (Listed Race), 7f for 2yo fillies and colts
Future star Maybe in the Ballydoyle Tabor colours imposed herself on 15 other 2y olds by 2¼ lengths in Royal Ascot's Chesham Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Sometimes trainers are overly enthusiastic about their horses, but Aidan O'Brien's words about his two-year-old filly Maybe were understatements.
With Ryan Moore on board, the filly was sent out 5/2 favourite in Royal Ascot's Chesham Stakes and she thrashed the field of 16 - 2¼ lengths in front of Fort Bastion and another 3 lengths before Self Centered.
The youngster is a very finished professional filly and one expects great things from her.
The O'Brien/Moore team also won the second race of the day, the Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2), 1m4f for 4yo+, with four-year-old colt Await The Dawn who beat Harris Tweed by 3 lengths and Drunken Sailor in third.
Overall World Top Ten Ratings
Outstanding winners and seconds enhanced their reputations on the World Top Ten Ratings with their Royal Ascot Turf performances:
Canford Cliffs and Goldikova rose to 130 and 126 respectively for the Queen Anne race.
Rewilding and So You Think raised their ratings to 130 and 129 respectively for the Prince of Wales's Stakes.
Frankel retains his 133 world leader rating for the 2000 Guineas though his impressive St James's Palace Stakes did not rate a 133.
Workforce earned his 127 from the Brigadeer Gerard and did not compete in Royal Ascot.
Five of the world's top Turf horses competed at Royal Ascot and six of the 11 are European.
Posted June 19, 2011
Royal Ascot Will Set Season's Form Again
The five-day Royal Ascot Meet occurs during the early peak season for most horse. Its races are known to establish the year's form for the horses competing in its wide range of races and distances.
It is suitable, that given 2011 is the 300th Anniversary of Royal Ascot, the QIPCO British Champions Series should start its first Series in the same year having seven of Royal Ascot's races are part of the Series.
Three major QIPCO BCS races are on opening day June 14th.
The Queen Anne Stakes (1m, 4yo+) has lured six-year-old Goldikova back to England to repeat her success last year. She is up against very tough competition against powerful males like Canford Cliffs, Cape Blanco, Citiscape, Ransom Note and Rio Del La Plata. Flash Dance will be her pacemaker.
Given the mess in the Prix de Diane, one hopes Goldikova's jockey remembers that she is 2010 Horse of the Year in both England and France as well as being the three-times' winner of the Breeders' Cup Mile.
The King's Stand Stakes (5f, 3yo+) has attracted 19 of some of the world's finest sprinters - except Black Caviar who will compete in 2012 - and trainers.
Overdose is back for the Czech Republic. Todd Pletcher brought Bridgetown and Wesley Smith brought Holiday For Kitten to be ridden by Zenyatta's partner Mike Smith who is riding in Britain this Spring.
Star Witness is currently favourite and hails from Australia.
The European home team claims the favourites in Sole Power and game Kingsgate Native.
This is the most open race of the three starting the RA/BCS Series.
The St James's Palace Stakes (1m, 3yo) promises to be a thriller with eight taking on Frankel who is the highest-rated colt in the world at 130.
Japan is not affraid of him. It has sent Grand Prix Boss with Dubai World Cup winner Mirco Demuro on board. Dumuro is proving to be one of the world's top jockeys in and out of Italy along with his chum Frankie Dettori.
Dubawi Gold and Wootton Bassett return to the challenge against Frankel along with Dream Ahead, Excelebration, Rerouted, Godolphin's Neebras and Ballydoyle's Zoffany.
Many think Canford Cliffs will beat Goldikova. He may, but my heart is always with her.
I cannot predict the sprint outcome, but I cannot see any colt beating Frankel unless he has his first bad day.
Inside international horse racing paddocks with form expert Susan Trevelyan-Syke
Australia - New Zealand 2011
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Black Caviar Is Back In Training
There was great disappointment when Australia's great sprinter mare, Black Caviar AUS, did not compete in the Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot, Perth, as expected.
Her last race and 16th consecutive victory was the Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic at Flemington in November during the Melbourne Festival.
There is even greater concern after her trainer, Peter Moody, announced that she was back in training with three Melbourne races planned before she travels to Royal Ascot in June.
Since Sydney and Adelaide are clamoring for her, Moody may have to vary his season plans.
Black Caviar arrived at his Caufield stables December 26 after a break to prepare for the Group 2 Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley on January 27.
"She will probably have a jump-out before that race" said Moody.
For now, the last race he scheduled for Australia before travelling to England is the Futurity Stakes on February 25.
Good news for England is that her 2012 focus is Royal Ascot.
Her fans can support her on facebook, twitter and join her fan club on her excellent website: http://www.blackcaviar.net/au
©Posted December 27, 2011
Black Caviar Won Her 16th Consecutive Race
The magnificent Australian sprinter, Black Caviar, won her 16th consecutive race in the Patinack Farm Classic, 6f, at Flemington on November 5.
Jimmy Choux In Emirates Stakes
New Zealand's star Jimmy Choux will race against Wall Street in the Emirates Stakes on November 5 at Flemington.
Bauer's Consolation Prize?
One horse defected from the Melbourne Cup's 24 lineup, but officials would not replace the entrant with the next in line - Luca Cumani's trouper Bauer.
Cumani remained in Flemington and Bauer will try for some prize money in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
©Posted November 3, 2011
Dunaden And France Prevail In Melbourne Cup
The A$6,175,000 Melbourne Cup (Group 1 Handicap) for 3yo+, 2m (16f, 3200m) on Flemington's left-handed course delivered one of the most thrilling endings in the race's 151 years to a crowd of 105,000.
To most it looked like a dead heat, but the unfortunate 30/1 second lost by a pixel nose in a photo finish.
The first four led a pipping parade.
What was not a surprise was that three of the five favourites finished out in front: Dunaden, Lucas Cranach and American.
Jukebox Jury finished lame in third last postion and his participation in the Hong Kong season is out.
Australia's Niwot had every chance, but could only manage eighth.
The great surprise of the race was British trainer Ed Dunlop's Red Cadeaux (Cadeau Genereux) whose late, flying finish almost nosed out the winner Dunaden FR (Nicobar).
For a flash, Red Cadeaux had it; but substitute jockey Christophe-Patrice Lemaire thrust forward and got his horse's nose in front - heartbreaking for jockey Michael Rodd.
Lucas Cranach GER (Mamool IRE) was third with heavily-weighted winner from last year and 4/1 favourite, Americain USA (Dynaformer USA), pipped for fourth.
The five-year-old 15/2 winner has had a fascinating history from an unloved 1,500€ Arqana Sales horse who was bought for dressage in Holland and sold off in a Strasbourg reclaimer sale.
Fortunately, he was spotted spotted by Alban de Mieulle who represents the Al Thani racing interests of Pearl Bloodstock Ltd, and turned over to English trainer Richard Gibson.
Gibson left his horses in France to young French trainer Mikel Delzangles when he moved to Hong Kong.
Dunaden started racing under Rules in October 2009 as a handicapper and has won two Group 3s for Delzangeles and now the Group 1 Melbourne Cup.
Lemaire has won the richest purse of his career on a chance ride.
He flew in from Japan to cover for the banned Australian jockey Craig Williams who won the Cox Plate, Caufield Cup and Geelong Cup (with Dunaden).
Lemaire said "I'ts a great moment for me. But I feel very sorry for Craig...I'm sure he'll win the Melbourne Cup one year."
It was not just the Melbourne Cup. No other jockey has won all those races in one season. The Cup would have established a lifetime record.
©Posted November 1, 2011
Melbourne Cup Preview
"The race that stops a nation" is Australia's A$6,175,000 Melbourne Cup (Handicap) for 3yo+, 16f (2m, 3200m) on Flemington's left-handed Turf course.
The race, which was first run in 1861, takes place on the first Tuesday of November (November 1 this year).
It is the world's richest two-mile handicap with weights, from 49 kg to 57 kg, allocated by the Victoria Racing Club Handicapper in early September with rules adjusted to a "quality handicap" formula where superior horses are given less severe weight penalties than under pure handicap rules.
European trainers decide whether to invest in the journey (roughly A$100,000 to ship each horse from Great Britain) depending on the handicap allocated to their horses.
Twenty-four horses are entered for the two-mile race and they traditionally burst out of the stalls leaving stragglers in the dust only to slow up later. It is a tricky race for newcomers.
Three of the betting favourites are European-trained horses: last-year's winner Americain USA (Dynaformer USA) from France who is favourite, France's Dunaden and British trainer Mark Johnston's grey Jukebox Jury.
The French owners of Americain purchased shares in Jukebox Jury to give them a back-up shot at the Cup.
Americain won a smoothe Group 2 Drake International Moonee Valley Cup, 1m4½f, on October 22 in preparation for the Melbourne Cup and is undisputed favourite to defend his title.
Americain, Dunaden and Lucas Cranach lead from the center of the stalls (15, 13 and 11 respectively).
Dunaden's rider is undetermined as his jockey Craig Williams is appealing a ban. If unsucessful, the horse will be ridden by Christophe Lemaire who is on standby in Japan.
UPDATE: Williams lost his appeal and Dunaden will be ridden by Lemaire.
Australian Williams just won the Geelong Cup on Dunaden, the Caufield Cup on filly Southern Speed, the Cox Plate on filly Pinker Pinker and he is keen to take all the major Australian races in one season.
Niwot's performance in the Group 3 Lexus Stakes boosted his position to third favourite trading at 8-10/1 displacing Lucas Cranach and Jukebox Jury down a notch each.
Lucas Cranach GER is fourth of the top four betting favourites and races for Australia.
Jukebox Jury is ideally placed in stall 6 with Johnston's other horse, Fox Hunt who is owned by the Crown Prince of Dubai, in 19.
Godolphin believes it has a very good chance this year to win the race with its Lost In The Moment capturing stall 3 in the draw and new-acquisition Modun in stall 5.
Germany's Illo won the pole position of stall 1.
The Melbourne Cup has drawn an exceptionally deep field of international quality horses.
It will be interesting to see if the Australia-New Zealand teams can capitalise on their home-track and pace advantages to defeat the raiders.
©Posted October 30, 2011
Glass Harmonium Captured Australian Group 1
Glass Harmonium makes a comeback with former trainer Sir Michael
Stoute in winning major Group race during bet365.com Day at Sandown.
©Photo Racing International
On the same card with Sepoy at Flemington, handsome Glass Harmonium IRE (Verglas IRE) showed his Group 1 form for Australian trainer, Michael Moroney, in winning the Longines Mackinnon Stakes, 1m2f of good-to-soft turf for 3yo+, by a ¾ length over Mourayan IRE (Alhaarth IRE).
Both five-year olds were trained in Europe and have come into their own with Australian trainers.
Glass Harmonium was with Sir Michael Stoute until this year when he changed hands and tranferred to Maroney.
Mourayan was trained by John Oxx originally for the Aga Khan and is currently with Robert Hickmott.
Both earned their places in the two-mile Melbourne Cup November 1.
Mourayan was luckier in the draw with Stall 14 than Glass Harmonium out in the hinterland of Stall 23 of 24.
The relatively inexperienced seven-year-old Niwot AUS (Galileo IRE), who won the Group 3 Lexus Stakes by three lengths on the same card as Glass Harmonium and Sepoy, fared better in Stall 9.
The first six favourites for the Cup were bred in Europe. Mourayan is seventh quoted at 14-16/1 and the first home-bred Niwot is now third quoted at 8-10/1.
Glass Harmonium is not budging from 9th betting favourite quoted at 20-33/1.
©Posted October 29, 2011
Sepoy Scores Again
Painful ironies: the better Sepoy got, the more likely his Australian trainer Peter Snowden would lose him to Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin to race in Europe and the rest of the world.
The Elusive Quality three-year-old colt won the Group 1 A$500,000 Coolmore Stud Stakes, 6f on good-to-soft Turf at Flemington for 3yo, by an exhausting scrapper head over Foxwedge who gave him a real battle.
Kerrin McEvoy never gave up on the colt and said the "quality little colt" has "a fantastic record now. It would be great to see him in Australia for a couple more runs in the Autumn (Northern Hemispheres Spring) before he goes overseas."
Sepoy's exhaustion was palpable, but he never gave up.
Snowden mentioned that "he's peaked three times this preparation"...but he is showing signs to me that he is a tired horse so that was all courage today."
Sprinter Sepoy and fellow Darley-bred longer-distance Helmet AUS (Exceed And Excel AUS) will leave Snowden together for the switch to Europe.
Question is: which Godolphin trainer will get them?
©Posted October 29, 2011
Black "Miss Invincible" Caviar Won Her 15th In A Doddle
After winning the Group 2 A$300,000 Schweppes Stakes, 6f on Turf at Moonee Valley, racing pros assert that there are no worlds left to conquer for Australia's magnificent five-year-old mare, Black "Miss Invincible" Caviar, in Sprint.
It is just Demolish Derby every time she races and her condition has improved according to her trainer and jockey.
In their wisdom, the pros demand that trainer Peter Moody and her connections increase her distances to 7 or 8 furlongs to prove her versatility.
A mare who can win 15 of 15 career starts at 5 or 6 furlongs should have nothing more to prove.
She had equalled legendary Phar Lap's (NZ) record number of victories in her last race.
At 15 victories in succession, she has joined two other Australian racing legends - Carbine NZ and Bernborough.
As long as she remains well and continues racing, she will most probably set new records.
She will take on the 'tough' Hong Kong boys (mostly Australian or New Zealand sprinters) in December and their connections greet her arrival with mixed excitement and trepidation.
Europeans will take their best shots at her in June 2012 when she travels to Europe for Royal Ascot.
Then perhaps the dark beauty can retire to a polite rendezvous with a handsome stud and race with her little ones.
Till then, it makes no sense to second guess the success of the world's highest ranked female (130).
In winning her Schweppes Stakes, she just bowled along while her three rivals revved up their speed.
About two furlongs out, her jockey Luke Nolan finally moved a muscle easing her out to defeat Doubtful Jack by six lengths.
Nolan said "She was poised, ready to go - it was just a matter of when."
"I'm just the lucky bloke on top because she landed in our stable - it's a little bit overwhelming. It is Cox Plate Day and she could nearly be the the star of the show. It is a very humbling experience to be party of it."
Her next engagement is the Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic at Flemington on November 5.
Another of her victims, Dan Morton who trains Scenic Blast, felt his horse needed the run to confront her at Flemington.
"Obviously Black Caviar is there and she should be too good for anything."
©Posted October 23, 2011
Sepoy Won Seventh In Caulfield Sprint
Sheikh Mohammed's magnificent three-year-old colt, Sepoy AUS (Elusive Quality USA), coasted to a fast 1m03.11s victory by 1¼ lengths over stablemate Curtana and filly Mid Summer Music in the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint, 5½f on Turf for 3yo+.
It was not necessary for more than a bit of shoulder brushing by jockey Kerrin McEvoy to encourage Sepoy to win. No pain barriers were broken.
Trainer Peter Snowden said "That is absolutely outstanding time. He is a very, very special horse."
Still Snowden believes it will be a year before the colt is ready to meet Black 'Miss Invincible' Caviar.
Sepoy's next race will be the Coolmore Stud Stakes over 6f on Victoria Derby Day at Flemington.
Happily, Gai Waterhouse' s five-year-old mare, More Joyous NZ (More Than Ready USA), won her first race this season in the Tristarc Stakes (Group 2), 7f for 4yo+ fillies and mares.
She was beaten by Sepoy in her seasonal debut two weeks ago.
©Posted October 15, 2011
Filly Southern Speed Seized Caulfield Cup
"She's not in the Melbourne Cup", but will run in the Cox Plate next week, said trainer Leon Macdonald.
Macdonald attributes Southern Speed's success in the Group 1 BMW Caulfield Cup to the longer distance which is run at 1m4f on Turf for 3yo+.
Southern Speed AUS (Southern Image USA) showed her class with her smooth pace on the rail, an ability to manage a tricky manoeuver out from the rail, balancing, picking up and finding another gear for an elegant finish ahead of Green Moon by 1½ lengths.
Gai Waterhouse's Tullamore finished third ½ length behind.
Favourite December Draw was last after being struck into.
©Posted October 15, 2011
'Miss Invincible' Won Her 14th Consecutive Race
"I'm relieved. It's been a build-up like no other and there is always the fear that something can go wrong" said Black Caviar's trainer Peter Moody.
The five-year-old mare won her 14th consecutive race in the Group 2 Schweppes Schillaci Stakes, 5f on Turf for 3yo+ at Caulfield.
She equalled the great Phar Lap's record, though unlike him, she has never been defeated.
Of her 14 races, six were Group 1s and four Group 2s.
The race video shows her easy pace in fourth until she made her move for the lead over the very credible Karuta Queen two furlongs out to win by 4¼ lengths in what looks like a canter under her partner Luke Nolen.
Moody described her as "a fully matured horse - she has developed into an imposing horse and maybe the world is her oyster this racing season."
Fortunately for England, that oyster includes Royal Ascot in June 2012.
She will next be seen in the Patinack Farm Classic November 5.
Be patient with any Aussie friend who brags about the 100% Australian mare sired by Bel Esprit AUS out of Helsinge AUS (Desert Sun). He has reason.
'Miss Invincible' is the real deal. She is the greatest sprinter in the world.
©Posted October 8, 2011
Sheikh Mohammed's Sensational Sepoy
Australia's two-year-old champion, Sepoy AUS (Elusive Quality USA) has just won the sixth race of seven starts (one respectable second to Smart Missile).
It is also the first victory in his official third year and his third Group 1 with a victory over seven older horses.
It was not a sure victory after fumbling out of the gate in the Group 1 Sportingbet Manikato Stakes, 7f, on Moonee Valley's tight circuit.
The Darley-bred colt was steadied by Godolphin's retained jockey, Kerrin McEvoy, and scrubbed up the rail to finally lead and then dominate to repel all challenges with finality in 1m 11.80s.
The video says it all. When the powerful colt leapt forward, it was all over by 2¼ lengths for the second, Sister Madly, and for the second favourite, the badly hampered More Joyous, who was third by another ¾ lengths.
Sepoy is the first three-year old to win the Manikato since Redoute's Choice in 1999.
He is an outstanding Australian colt who will probably next race against his fellow three-year olds in the Coolmore Stakes on October 29 when his proud owner, Sheikh Mohammed, is in the country to see him race in his colours (red and white).
Trainer Peter Snowden is unlikely to run Sepoy against the champion mare, Black Caviar, in the Spring Carnival as it would be a massive step too far for the youngster.
But, at some point, these two great talents will have to meet on a racecourse.
©Posted September 30, 2011
Black Caviar Australia's Horse of the Year
Black Caviar , who is back working out in scintillating times, has been voted Australia's Horse of the Year in addition to her honour as Victorian Racehorse of the Year for her 13 consecutive victories (six of which are Group 1s).
Her trainer Peter Moody said "She looks bigger and stronger than when she was racing last Autumn (Northern Hemisphere's Spring).
One journalist who regularly covers her said she is 'daunting'.
She will race October 8 in the Schillachi Stakes.
Both her connections and Sepoy's* have decided to avoid each other for now.
*The talented Godolphin 3yo colt has just won the 6f Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley.
©Posted September 30, 2011
Jimmy Choux: New Zealand Horse of the Year
So You Think is not the only very talented New Zealand-bred horse.
He not only missed out on being named the Australian Horse of the Year, but also New Zealand's equivalent.
Jimmy Choux NZ (Thorn Park AUS out of Ciergo NZ) was chosen as both New Zealand's Champion Three-Year-Old and Horse of the Year.
He has won 10 of his 18 starts including the NZ Derby, the NZ 2000 Guineas and Rosehill Guineas in Sydney bringing his earnings to over $2.6 million.
There was compensation for So You Think. His dam Triassic NZ (Tights USA) was chosen Broodmare of the Year and his sire High Chaparral IRE (Sadler's Wells USA) was awarded the Dewar Stallion Award (for his combined Australian and New Zealand stakes earnings).
Black Caviar's Honours
The magnificent sprinting mare, Black Caviar, was voted the Victorian Racehorse of the Year.
The world's highest-rated female (130 WTR) trounced Ballydoyle's So You Think to win the honours.
She will race again September 30 in the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley and has More Joyous in her sights.
Duo Approved
Despite being beaten for VHOY, all is not lost for So You Think.
He and his Ballydoyle stablelmate, Cape Blanco, have been approved to race in the Cox Plate where SYT will defend his last year's title.
Lest one think that Cape Blanco will be SYT's pacemaker, one should be reminded that CB is the recent winner of the Arlington Million.
Competition
Not only are top horses competing against each other, but so are the world's major racing events competing for the best horses.
All Arlington Festival winners receive invitations to the Breeders' Cup and worthy Cape Blanco, Arlington Million winner, has.
Yet his Ballydoyle connections are considering sending the likeable colt to Melbourne to compete against their So You Think in the Cox Plate.
Is there a message or is it just a back-up plan?
Black Caviar's Back
Co-rated as the world's top horse at 133 (with Frankel), the beautiful mare Black Caviar is back at trainer Peter Moody's Caufield stables in Melbourne after her between-season rest to prepare for Australia's Spring sprint season.
Her connections gave her a rest "when she showed a bit of wear and tear and tiredness".
"She has put on a good deal of weight, not too much, but she is quite a big girl" according to Moody.
Winner of 13 out of 13 starts, Black Caviar will start Down Under season in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes, 5f, at Caulfield on October 8.
She will participate in races on Cox Plate Day and at the Melbourne Cup meet ending her season with the Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin on December 11.
Royal Ascot 2012 in June is still in the cards for her Autumn season.
©Posted July 21, 2011
Black Caviar Won Her 6th Group 1 Sprint
The amazing five-year-old mare Black Caviar AUS (Bel Esprit AUS) just won her 13th race of 13 career starts in the Bundaberg Distilling Co BTC Cup (Group 1), 6f on Turf for 3yo+, at Doomben, Brisbane.
She beat her frequent adversary Hay List AUS (Statue Of Liberty USA) into second for the third time this season - by 2 lengths.
It is his fourth career loss to her.
The two older horses were out ahead of four-year-old Buffering AUS (Mossman AUS), who took third, by another 4¾ lengths.
This victory is Black Caviar's sixth Group 1. She has four Group 2s, two Listeds and one Handicap (her first race) to her credit.
Her winnings are now over £2 million and she is the world's highest rated race horse with only one competitor for first, Frankel, who rates 130-133-142 (or whatever the handicappers believe).
Black Caviar is now aiming for the Doomben 10,000 in two-week's time to secure second place in Australia's record book on multiple Group 1 wins in a season.
May she go on to secure Number One place.
Trainer Peter Moody said "She's just terrific for the sport and we wanted to showcase her to the Australian public. There are people here who haven't been racing for 50 or 60 years, people from all over Australia."
There are people from all over the world who are excited about Black Caviar and follow her every race.
Some are even questioning if she is better than Zenyatta.
A champion sprinter and a mid-distance champion cannot be compared except that they are both tough and exceptionally beautiful mares who inspire a worldwide audience to engage with and love racing.
Jockey Luke Nolen commented that "When she wins, you just breathe a little bit easier. There were a couple of cheap sectionals there, but I was able to come up at my leisure."
"At my leisure" says it all about Black Caviar's ability.
Just watch her close down a field without a whip ever being raised.
Posted May 14, 2011
Black Caviar - 12 Out Of 12
The video of Black Caviar's victory in the T J Smith Stakes (Group 1), 6f on Turf, tells the story of her and her Australian fans better than any writer can write.
The five-year-old mare (by Bel Esprit AUS) was warm and edgy at the start of her latest race April 9, but did everything right in reeling-in front-running Hay List AUS (Statue Of Liberty USA).
She stayed in third until the final furlong when she unleashed her devastating acceleration to trounce the impressive gelding HL by two lengths.
Black Caviar is now 12 out of 12 starts justifying her ranking as the BEST in the world at 133.
Fans the world over have pined since the retirement of Zenyatta.
Now we all have the beautiful Black Caviar and Australia has given us her Super Sprinter.
Sheikh Mohammed's Hot Prospect: Sepoy
Sheikh Mohammed has another very hot prospect for the 2000 Guineas in Australian-bred Sepoy AUS (Elusive Quality USA from Watchful AUS) in 2012 if he chooses to divert him to England.
Word filtered out that the three-year-old colt Sepoy was more than a bit special. He proved that not to be an exaggeration when he dominated the AAMI Golden Slipper (Group 1), 6f, on Turf for two-year-olds at Rosehill.
He has only lost one of his four races when he came second to chief rival for favourite for the race Smart Missile two weeks ago.
SM was withdrawn from today's race at the starting gate by the vet after his franctiousness caught his leg over the side of the stall.
Godolphin jockey Kerrin McEvoy had a major task in getting Sepoy across the field from a wide draw of 10 placing him up in the first three for the duration of the race.
When Sepoy split from the pack for home, he was uncatchable though McEvoy eased up on him. Second home was Mosheen behind by 2 lengths and Elite Falls in third by another 1¼ lengths.
The presence of John Ferguson (Sheikh Mohammed's bloodstock expert) indicates how important Sepoy's victory is to the Darley breeding operation in Australia and worldwide.
His sire Elusive Quality stands at Darley's Jonabell Farm, Kentucky.
Trainer Peter Snowden cried that "It's the best feeling I have ever had in my life."
The Golden Slipper is the richest race in the world for two-year olds (Aus$3.5 million [£2.25 million]) on the richest race day in Australia which includes five Group 1s.
Black Caviar Nails Her 11th Consecutive Victory
World champion mare Black Caviar AUS (Bel Esprit AUS)easily romped to her 11th straight victory out of 11 career starts.
She won the William Reid Stakes (Group 1), 6f, on Turf, at Moonee Valley, Australia, by two lengths after being eased down near the finish line.
Jockey Luke Nolen placed the 1/11 favourite in mid-division until two furlongs out where he had to wake up the switched-off, five-year-old mare. She just took off with her trade-mark acceleration.
The only direction Nolen has been given from trainer Peter Moody is "not to hit her".
No need. The world's reigning champion sprinter won her fourth Group 1 with another four Group 2s, two Listeds and one Handicap from her first race in April 2009.
Her latest victory brings her earnings to approximately £1.5 million with a 133 rating for this 5f and 6f specialist.
Every major venue is vying for her presence including Royal Ascot, but she is likely to remain in the Far East and take on the boys in the Hong Kong Sprint later in the year.
Her next target is the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick in Sydney on April 9.
Many believe her to be the greatest sprinter who ever raced and her awed trainer thinks only a "curve ball" could defeat her.
Black Caviar has earned the world's highest rating on Turf at 133 in the Flemington.
There was great disappointment when Australia's great sprinter mare, Black Caviar AUS, did not compete in the Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot, Perth, as expected.
Her last race and 16th consecutive victory was the Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic at Flemington in November during the Melbourne Festival.
There is even greater concern after her trainer, Peter Moody, announced that she was back in training with three Melbourne races planned before she travels to Royal Ascot in June.
Since Sydney and Adelaide are clamoring for her, Moody may have to vary his season plans.
Black Caviar arrived at his Caufield stables December 26 after a break to prepare for the Group 2 Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley on January 27.
"She will probably have a jump-out before that race" said Moody.
For now, the last race he scheduled for Australia before travelling to England is the Futurity Stakes on February 25.
Good news for England is that her 2012 focus is Royal Ascot.
Her fans can support her on facebook, twitter and join her fan club on her excellent website: http://www.blackcaviar.net/au
©Posted December 27, 2011
Black Caviar Won Her 16th Consecutive Race
The magnificent Australian sprinter, Black Caviar, won her 16th consecutive race in the Patinack Farm Classic, 6f, at Flemington on November 5.
Jimmy Choux In Emirates Stakes
New Zealand's star Jimmy Choux will race against Wall Street in the Emirates Stakes on November 5 at Flemington.
Bauer's Consolation Prize?
One horse defected from the Melbourne Cup's 24 lineup, but officials would not replace the entrant with the next in line - Luca Cumani's trouper Bauer.
Cumani remained in Flemington and Bauer will try for some prize money in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
©Posted November 3, 2011
Dunaden And France Prevail In Melbourne Cup
The A$6,175,000 Melbourne Cup (Group 1 Handicap) for 3yo+, 2m (16f, 3200m) on Flemington's left-handed course delivered one of the most thrilling endings in the race's 151 years to a crowd of 105,000.
To most it looked like a dead heat, but the unfortunate 30/1 second lost by a pixel nose in a photo finish.
The first four led a pipping parade.
What was not a surprise was that three of the five favourites finished out in front: Dunaden, Lucas Cranach and American.
Jukebox Jury finished lame in third last postion and his participation in the Hong Kong season is out.
Australia's Niwot had every chance, but could only manage eighth.
The great surprise of the race was British trainer Ed Dunlop's Red Cadeaux (Cadeau Genereux) whose late, flying finish almost nosed out the winner Dunaden FR (Nicobar).
For a flash, Red Cadeaux had it; but substitute jockey Christophe-Patrice Lemaire thrust forward and got his horse's nose in front - heartbreaking for jockey Michael Rodd.
Lucas Cranach GER (Mamool IRE) was third with heavily-weighted winner from last year and 4/1 favourite, Americain USA (Dynaformer USA), pipped for fourth.
The five-year-old 15/2 winner has had a fascinating history from an unloved 1,500€ Arqana Sales horse who was bought for dressage in Holland and sold off in a Strasbourg reclaimer sale.
Fortunately, he was spotted spotted by Alban de Mieulle who represents the Al Thani racing interests of Pearl Bloodstock Ltd, and turned over to English trainer Richard Gibson.
Gibson left his horses in France to young French trainer Mikel Delzangles when he moved to Hong Kong.
Dunaden started racing under Rules in October 2009 as a handicapper and has won two Group 3s for Delzangeles and now the Group 1 Melbourne Cup.
Lemaire has won the richest purse of his career on a chance ride.
He flew in from Japan to cover for the banned Australian jockey Craig Williams who won the Cox Plate, Caufield Cup and Geelong Cup (with Dunaden).
Lemaire said "I'ts a great moment for me. But I feel very sorry for Craig...I'm sure he'll win the Melbourne Cup one year."
It was not just the Melbourne Cup. No other jockey has won all those races in one season. The Cup would have established a lifetime record.
©Posted November 1, 2011
Melbourne Cup Preview
"The race that stops a nation" is Australia's A$6,175,000 Melbourne Cup (Handicap) for 3yo+, 16f (2m, 3200m) on Flemington's left-handed Turf course.
The race, which was first run in 1861, takes place on the first Tuesday of November (November 1 this year).
It is the world's richest two-mile handicap with weights, from 49 kg to 57 kg, allocated by the Victoria Racing Club Handicapper in early September with rules adjusted to a "quality handicap" formula where superior horses are given less severe weight penalties than under pure handicap rules.
European trainers decide whether to invest in the journey (roughly A$100,000 to ship each horse from Great Britain) depending on the handicap allocated to their horses.
Twenty-four horses are entered for the two-mile race and they traditionally burst out of the stalls leaving stragglers in the dust only to slow up later. It is a tricky race for newcomers.
Three of the betting favourites are European-trained horses: last-year's winner Americain USA (Dynaformer USA) from France who is favourite, France's Dunaden and British trainer Mark Johnston's grey Jukebox Jury.
The French owners of Americain purchased shares in Jukebox Jury to give them a back-up shot at the Cup.
Americain won a smoothe Group 2 Drake International Moonee Valley Cup, 1m4½f, on October 22 in preparation for the Melbourne Cup and is undisputed favourite to defend his title.
Americain, Dunaden and Lucas Cranach lead from the center of the stalls (15, 13 and 11 respectively).
Dunaden's rider is undetermined as his jockey Craig Williams is appealing a ban. If unsucessful, the horse will be ridden by Christophe Lemaire who is on standby in Japan.
UPDATE: Williams lost his appeal and Dunaden will be ridden by Lemaire.
Australian Williams just won the Geelong Cup on Dunaden, the Caufield Cup on filly Southern Speed, the Cox Plate on filly Pinker Pinker and he is keen to take all the major Australian races in one season.
Niwot's performance in the Group 3 Lexus Stakes boosted his position to third favourite trading at 8-10/1 displacing Lucas Cranach and Jukebox Jury down a notch each.
Lucas Cranach GER is fourth of the top four betting favourites and races for Australia.
Jukebox Jury is ideally placed in stall 6 with Johnston's other horse, Fox Hunt who is owned by the Crown Prince of Dubai, in 19.
Godolphin believes it has a very good chance this year to win the race with its Lost In The Moment capturing stall 3 in the draw and new-acquisition Modun in stall 5.
Germany's Illo won the pole position of stall 1.
The Melbourne Cup has drawn an exceptionally deep field of international quality horses.
It will be interesting to see if the Australia-New Zealand teams can capitalise on their home-track and pace advantages to defeat the raiders.
©Posted October 30, 2011
Glass Harmonium Captured Australian Group 1
Glass Harmonium makes a comeback with former trainer Sir Michael
Stoute in winning major Group race during bet365.com Day at Sandown.
©Photo Racing International
On the same card with Sepoy at Flemington, handsome Glass Harmonium IRE (Verglas IRE) showed his Group 1 form for Australian trainer, Michael Moroney, in winning the Longines Mackinnon Stakes, 1m2f of good-to-soft turf for 3yo+, by a ¾ length over Mourayan IRE (Alhaarth IRE).
Both five-year olds were trained in Europe and have come into their own with Australian trainers.
Glass Harmonium was with Sir Michael Stoute until this year when he changed hands and tranferred to Maroney.
Mourayan was trained by John Oxx originally for the Aga Khan and is currently with Robert Hickmott.
Both earned their places in the two-mile Melbourne Cup November 1.
Mourayan was luckier in the draw with Stall 14 than Glass Harmonium out in the hinterland of Stall 23 of 24.
The relatively inexperienced seven-year-old Niwot AUS (Galileo IRE), who won the Group 3 Lexus Stakes by three lengths on the same card as Glass Harmonium and Sepoy, fared better in Stall 9.
The first six favourites for the Cup were bred in Europe. Mourayan is seventh quoted at 14-16/1 and the first home-bred Niwot is now third quoted at 8-10/1.
Glass Harmonium is not budging from 9th betting favourite quoted at 20-33/1.
©Posted October 29, 2011
Sepoy Scores Again
Painful ironies: the better Sepoy got, the more likely his Australian trainer Peter Snowden would lose him to Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin to race in Europe and the rest of the world.
The Elusive Quality three-year-old colt won the Group 1 A$500,000 Coolmore Stud Stakes, 6f on good-to-soft Turf at Flemington for 3yo, by an exhausting scrapper head over Foxwedge who gave him a real battle.
Kerrin McEvoy never gave up on the colt and said the "quality little colt" has "a fantastic record now. It would be great to see him in Australia for a couple more runs in the Autumn (Northern Hemispheres Spring) before he goes overseas."
Sepoy's exhaustion was palpable, but he never gave up.
Snowden mentioned that "he's peaked three times this preparation"...but he is showing signs to me that he is a tired horse so that was all courage today."
Sprinter Sepoy and fellow Darley-bred longer-distance Helmet AUS (Exceed And Excel AUS) will leave Snowden together for the switch to Europe.
Question is: which Godolphin trainer will get them?
©Posted October 29, 2011
Black "Miss Invincible" Caviar Won Her 15th In A Doddle
After winning the Group 2 A$300,000 Schweppes Stakes, 6f on Turf at Moonee Valley, racing pros assert that there are no worlds left to conquer for Australia's magnificent five-year-old mare, Black "Miss Invincible" Caviar, in Sprint.
It is just Demolish Derby every time she races and her condition has improved according to her trainer and jockey.
In their wisdom, the pros demand that trainer Peter Moody and her connections increase her distances to 7 or 8 furlongs to prove her versatility.
A mare who can win 15 of 15 career starts at 5 or 6 furlongs should have nothing more to prove.
She had equalled legendary Phar Lap's (NZ) record number of victories in her last race.
At 15 victories in succession, she has joined two other Australian racing legends - Carbine NZ and Bernborough.
As long as she remains well and continues racing, she will most probably set new records.
She will take on the 'tough' Hong Kong boys (mostly Australian or New Zealand sprinters) in December and their connections greet her arrival with mixed excitement and trepidation.
Europeans will take their best shots at her in June 2012 when she travels to Europe for Royal Ascot.
Then perhaps the dark beauty can retire to a polite rendezvous with a handsome stud and race with her little ones.
Till then, it makes no sense to second guess the success of the world's highest ranked female (130).
In winning her Schweppes Stakes, she just bowled along while her three rivals revved up their speed.
About two furlongs out, her jockey Luke Nolan finally moved a muscle easing her out to defeat Doubtful Jack by six lengths.
Nolan said "She was poised, ready to go - it was just a matter of when."
"I'm just the lucky bloke on top because she landed in our stable - it's a little bit overwhelming. It is Cox Plate Day and she could nearly be the the star of the show. It is a very humbling experience to be party of it."
Her next engagement is the Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic at Flemington on November 5.
Another of her victims, Dan Morton who trains Scenic Blast, felt his horse needed the run to confront her at Flemington.
"Obviously Black Caviar is there and she should be too good for anything."
©Posted October 23, 2011
Sepoy Won Seventh In Caulfield Sprint
Sheikh Mohammed's magnificent three-year-old colt, Sepoy AUS (Elusive Quality USA), coasted to a fast 1m03.11s victory by 1¼ lengths over stablemate Curtana and filly Mid Summer Music in the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint, 5½f on Turf for 3yo+.
It was not necessary for more than a bit of shoulder brushing by jockey Kerrin McEvoy to encourage Sepoy to win. No pain barriers were broken.
Trainer Peter Snowden said "That is absolutely outstanding time. He is a very, very special horse."
Still Snowden believes it will be a year before the colt is ready to meet Black 'Miss Invincible' Caviar.
Sepoy's next race will be the Coolmore Stud Stakes over 6f on Victoria Derby Day at Flemington.
Happily, Gai Waterhouse' s five-year-old mare, More Joyous NZ (More Than Ready USA), won her first race this season in the Tristarc Stakes (Group 2), 7f for 4yo+ fillies and mares.
She was beaten by Sepoy in her seasonal debut two weeks ago.
©Posted October 15, 2011
Filly Southern Speed Seized Caulfield Cup
"She's not in the Melbourne Cup", but will run in the Cox Plate next week, said trainer Leon Macdonald.
Macdonald attributes Southern Speed's success in the Group 1 BMW Caulfield Cup to the longer distance which is run at 1m4f on Turf for 3yo+.
Southern Speed AUS (Southern Image USA) showed her class with her smooth pace on the rail, an ability to manage a tricky manoeuver out from the rail, balancing, picking up and finding another gear for an elegant finish ahead of Green Moon by 1½ lengths.
Gai Waterhouse's Tullamore finished third ½ length behind.
Favourite December Draw was last after being struck into.
©Posted October 15, 2011
'Miss Invincible' Won Her 14th Consecutive Race
"I'm relieved. It's been a build-up like no other and there is always the fear that something can go wrong" said Black Caviar's trainer Peter Moody.
The five-year-old mare won her 14th consecutive race in the Group 2 Schweppes Schillaci Stakes, 5f on Turf for 3yo+ at Caulfield.
She equalled the great Phar Lap's record, though unlike him, she has never been defeated.
Of her 14 races, six were Group 1s and four Group 2s.
The race video shows her easy pace in fourth until she made her move for the lead over the very credible Karuta Queen two furlongs out to win by 4¼ lengths in what looks like a canter under her partner Luke Nolen.
Moody described her as "a fully matured horse - she has developed into an imposing horse and maybe the world is her oyster this racing season."
Fortunately for England, that oyster includes Royal Ascot in June 2012.
She will next be seen in the Patinack Farm Classic November 5.
Be patient with any Aussie friend who brags about the 100% Australian mare sired by Bel Esprit AUS out of Helsinge AUS (Desert Sun). He has reason.
'Miss Invincible' is the real deal. She is the greatest sprinter in the world.
©Posted October 8, 2011
Sheikh Mohammed's Sensational Sepoy
Australia's two-year-old champion, Sepoy AUS (Elusive Quality USA) has just won the sixth race of seven starts (one respectable second to Smart Missile).
It is also the first victory in his official third year and his third Group 1 with a victory over seven older horses.
It was not a sure victory after fumbling out of the gate in the Group 1 Sportingbet Manikato Stakes, 7f, on Moonee Valley's tight circuit.
The Darley-bred colt was steadied by Godolphin's retained jockey, Kerrin McEvoy, and scrubbed up the rail to finally lead and then dominate to repel all challenges with finality in 1m 11.80s.
The video says it all. When the powerful colt leapt forward, it was all over by 2¼ lengths for the second, Sister Madly, and for the second favourite, the badly hampered More Joyous, who was third by another ¾ lengths.
Sepoy is the first three-year old to win the Manikato since Redoute's Choice in 1999.
He is an outstanding Australian colt who will probably next race against his fellow three-year olds in the Coolmore Stakes on October 29 when his proud owner, Sheikh Mohammed, is in the country to see him race in his colours (red and white).
Trainer Peter Snowden is unlikely to run Sepoy against the champion mare, Black Caviar, in the Spring Carnival as it would be a massive step too far for the youngster.
But, at some point, these two great talents will have to meet on a racecourse.
©Posted September 30, 2011
Black Caviar Australia's Horse of the Year
Black Caviar , who is back working out in scintillating times, has been voted Australia's Horse of the Year in addition to her honour as Victorian Racehorse of the Year for her 13 consecutive victories (six of which are Group 1s).
Her trainer Peter Moody said "She looks bigger and stronger than when she was racing last Autumn (Northern Hemisphere's Spring).
One journalist who regularly covers her said she is 'daunting'.
She will race October 8 in the Schillachi Stakes.
Both her connections and Sepoy's* have decided to avoid each other for now.
*The talented Godolphin 3yo colt has just won the 6f Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley.
©Posted September 30, 2011
Jimmy Choux: New Zealand Horse of the Year
So You Think is not the only very talented New Zealand-bred horse.
He not only missed out on being named the Australian Horse of the Year, but also New Zealand's equivalent.
Jimmy Choux NZ (Thorn Park AUS out of Ciergo NZ) was chosen as both New Zealand's Champion Three-Year-Old and Horse of the Year.
He has won 10 of his 18 starts including the NZ Derby, the NZ 2000 Guineas and Rosehill Guineas in Sydney bringing his earnings to over $2.6 million.
There was compensation for So You Think. His dam Triassic NZ (Tights USA) was chosen Broodmare of the Year and his sire High Chaparral IRE (Sadler's Wells USA) was awarded the Dewar Stallion Award (for his combined Australian and New Zealand stakes earnings).
Black Caviar's Honours
The magnificent sprinting mare, Black Caviar, was voted the Victorian Racehorse of the Year.
The world's highest-rated female (130 WTR) trounced Ballydoyle's So You Think to win the honours.
She will race again September 30 in the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley and has More Joyous in her sights.
Duo Approved
Despite being beaten for VHOY, all is not lost for So You Think.
He and his Ballydoyle stablelmate, Cape Blanco, have been approved to race in the Cox Plate where SYT will defend his last year's title.
Lest one think that Cape Blanco will be SYT's pacemaker, one should be reminded that CB is the recent winner of the Arlington Million.
Competition
Not only are top horses competing against each other, but so are the world's major racing events competing for the best horses.
All Arlington Festival winners receive invitations to the Breeders' Cup and worthy Cape Blanco, Arlington Million winner, has.
Yet his Ballydoyle connections are considering sending the likeable colt to Melbourne to compete against their So You Think in the Cox Plate.
Is there a message or is it just a back-up plan?
Black Caviar's Back
Co-rated as the world's top horse at 133 (with Frankel), the beautiful mare Black Caviar is back at trainer Peter Moody's Caufield stables in Melbourne after her between-season rest to prepare for Australia's Spring sprint season.
Her connections gave her a rest "when she showed a bit of wear and tear and tiredness".
"She has put on a good deal of weight, not too much, but she is quite a big girl" according to Moody.
Winner of 13 out of 13 starts, Black Caviar will start Down Under season in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes, 5f, at Caulfield on October 8.
She will participate in races on Cox Plate Day and at the Melbourne Cup meet ending her season with the Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin on December 11.
Royal Ascot 2012 in June is still in the cards for her Autumn season.
©Posted July 21, 2011
Black Caviar Won Her 6th Group 1 Sprint
The amazing five-year-old mare Black Caviar AUS (Bel Esprit AUS) just won her 13th race of 13 career starts in the Bundaberg Distilling Co BTC Cup (Group 1), 6f on Turf for 3yo+, at Doomben, Brisbane.
She beat her frequent adversary Hay List AUS (Statue Of Liberty USA) into second for the third time this season - by 2 lengths.
It is his fourth career loss to her.
The two older horses were out ahead of four-year-old Buffering AUS (Mossman AUS), who took third, by another 4¾ lengths.
This victory is Black Caviar's sixth Group 1. She has four Group 2s, two Listeds and one Handicap (her first race) to her credit.
Her winnings are now over £2 million and she is the world's highest rated race horse with only one competitor for first, Frankel, who rates 130-133-142 (or whatever the handicappers believe).
Black Caviar is now aiming for the Doomben 10,000 in two-week's time to secure second place in Australia's record book on multiple Group 1 wins in a season.
May she go on to secure Number One place.
Trainer Peter Moody said "She's just terrific for the sport and we wanted to showcase her to the Australian public. There are people here who haven't been racing for 50 or 60 years, people from all over Australia."
There are people from all over the world who are excited about Black Caviar and follow her every race.
Some are even questioning if she is better than Zenyatta.
A champion sprinter and a mid-distance champion cannot be compared except that they are both tough and exceptionally beautiful mares who inspire a worldwide audience to engage with and love racing.
Jockey Luke Nolen commented that "When she wins, you just breathe a little bit easier. There were a couple of cheap sectionals there, but I was able to come up at my leisure."
"At my leisure" says it all about Black Caviar's ability.
Just watch her close down a field without a whip ever being raised.
Posted May 14, 2011
Black Caviar - 12 Out Of 12
The video of Black Caviar's victory in the T J Smith Stakes (Group 1), 6f on Turf, tells the story of her and her Australian fans better than any writer can write.
The five-year-old mare (by Bel Esprit AUS) was warm and edgy at the start of her latest race April 9, but did everything right in reeling-in front-running Hay List AUS (Statue Of Liberty USA).
She stayed in third until the final furlong when she unleashed her devastating acceleration to trounce the impressive gelding HL by two lengths.
Black Caviar is now 12 out of 12 starts justifying her ranking as the BEST in the world at 133.
Fans the world over have pined since the retirement of Zenyatta.
Now we all have the beautiful Black Caviar and Australia has given us her Super Sprinter.
Sheikh Mohammed's Hot Prospect: Sepoy
Sheikh Mohammed has another very hot prospect for the 2000 Guineas in Australian-bred Sepoy AUS (Elusive Quality USA from Watchful AUS) in 2012 if he chooses to divert him to England.
Word filtered out that the three-year-old colt Sepoy was more than a bit special. He proved that not to be an exaggeration when he dominated the AAMI Golden Slipper (Group 1), 6f, on Turf for two-year-olds at Rosehill.
He has only lost one of his four races when he came second to chief rival for favourite for the race Smart Missile two weeks ago.
SM was withdrawn from today's race at the starting gate by the vet after his franctiousness caught his leg over the side of the stall.
Godolphin jockey Kerrin McEvoy had a major task in getting Sepoy across the field from a wide draw of 10 placing him up in the first three for the duration of the race.
When Sepoy split from the pack for home, he was uncatchable though McEvoy eased up on him. Second home was Mosheen behind by 2 lengths and Elite Falls in third by another 1¼ lengths.
The presence of John Ferguson (Sheikh Mohammed's bloodstock expert) indicates how important Sepoy's victory is to the Darley breeding operation in Australia and worldwide.
His sire Elusive Quality stands at Darley's Jonabell Farm, Kentucky.
Trainer Peter Snowden cried that "It's the best feeling I have ever had in my life."
The Golden Slipper is the richest race in the world for two-year olds (Aus$3.5 million [£2.25 million]) on the richest race day in Australia which includes five Group 1s.
Black Caviar Nails Her 11th Consecutive Victory
World champion mare Black Caviar AUS (Bel Esprit AUS)easily romped to her 11th straight victory out of 11 career starts.
She won the William Reid Stakes (Group 1), 6f, on Turf, at Moonee Valley, Australia, by two lengths after being eased down near the finish line.
Jockey Luke Nolen placed the 1/11 favourite in mid-division until two furlongs out where he had to wake up the switched-off, five-year-old mare. She just took off with her trade-mark acceleration.
The only direction Nolen has been given from trainer Peter Moody is "not to hit her".
No need. The world's reigning champion sprinter won her fourth Group 1 with another four Group 2s, two Listeds and one Handicap from her first race in April 2009.
Her latest victory brings her earnings to approximately £1.5 million with a 133 rating for this 5f and 6f specialist.
Every major venue is vying for her presence including Royal Ascot, but she is likely to remain in the Far East and take on the boys in the Hong Kong Sprint later in the year.
Her next target is the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick in Sydney on April 9.
Many believe her to be the greatest sprinter who ever raced and her awed trainer thinks only a "curve ball" could defeat her.
Black Caviar has earned the world's highest rating on Turf at 133 in the Flemington.