Black Caviar serves up sprint masterclass

Black Caviar notched her 17th straight victory with the minimum of fuss in the Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley.

The great Antipodean mare is second to Frankel in the official worldwide ratings and a big crowd had gathered just to see her run.

Jockey Luke Nolen settled the unbeaten six-year-old in third early one and asked Peter Moody’s charge to quicken turning for home.

Under minimum pressure, she changed gear within a matter of strides before stretching clear of Zedi Knight for a comfortable win.

The dream is that Black Caviar turns up at Royal Ascot in June to take on the best Europe has to offer.

In preparation, Moody is due to step her up to seven furlongs next time in the CF Orr Stakes at Caulfield on February 11.

Moody said: ``Hopefully it's the start of a wonderful six months.

“It’s wonderful to see her back in great shape.

“She’s just terrific for our sport, and it’s great for our industry.

“This filly puts us (racing) on the front page for the right reasons.”

Nolen said: “This wasn’t the strongest opposition she’s met, but she relaxed nicely off an even speed.

“I’m not going to say she was better than she was, but she wouldn’t have to improve.”