Caviar makes it 25 for 25

Australian star Black Caviar landed her 15th Group One success as she landed the Darley TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick.

Winner of the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot last year, Black Caviar was a little keen in the early stages under regular rider Luke Nolen as Rain Affair went out in front.

Racing in third, Nolen switched wide at the top of the straight and Black Caviar lengthened her stride to pull clear of runner-up Epaulette in effortless fashion.

The Peter Moody-trained mare is now unbeaten in 25 starts and drew a huge crowd to the Sydney track.

Moody said: ``I get to enjoy her every day, and I get great pleasure in other people getting to enjoy her. For her to bring the show to Randwick is terrific.

“A great crowd have really taken to her here today, as has been the case everywhere she’s gone.

“It’s extra special as it’s a bit of a homecoming for me. I know I’m a Queensland boy but this is where I learnt most of my craft and I worked for the great TJ for a lot of years so to win a race in his honour, the same as was a couple of year ago, it’s special for all of us,” he told Racing World Australia.

Black Caviar was surpassing the record of past Australian superstar Kingston Town in extending her winning streak, but Moody feels each horse deserves special appreciation.

“I don’t think that’s to be compared. I’m extremely proud of her holding that record but he’s to be enjoyed for what he was and her in her own right also. It’s just tremendous,” he said.

“It was a lovely ride by Luke. It was always our plan to come out and be six or seven deep in the straight as we thought the inside was a bit inferior and even though she is probably good enough to overcome it, we didn’t need to try it.”

Nolen was delighted to land another win and admitted his pleasure at being part of the all-conquering team.

He said: “She’s a special horse. Words escape me. I’m not a wordsmith but she genuinely touches me.

“You’ve seen what she means to racing and just to be a part of it blows you away.

“You just have to have faith and I have a great deal of faith in this mare.”