At Moonee Valley, the Black Caviar show continued as the champion mare secured her 15th win in a row.
Despite having only three opponents in the Group II Schweppes Stakes (1200m) and being the $1.03 favorite, trainer Peter Moody expressed some pre-race anxiety.
“You don’t want to put the cart before the horse,” Moody remarked.
“It appeared straightforward on paper, but there’s always a bit of nervousness.”
“Luke (Nolen) didn’t take any chances, and it was pleasing to see her start so well for a change.”
“It’s a remarkable story, a dream realized. It’s wonderful to watch the happiness she brings to the crowd.”
Concerns that the former barrier rogue Here De Angels could disrupt the event proved unfounded as he behaved correctly in the starting gates.
Black Caviar followed her stablemate Doubtful Jack until the turn and then took the lead, thrilling the audience as she surged down the straight.
She won by six lengths over Doubtful Jack, while Here De Angels finished third, 1-1/4 lengths behind, and former Horse of the Year Scenic Blast took fourth.
Jockey Nolen described riding the mare as a deeply humbling experience.
“It’s quite overwhelming,” he shared.
“To be part of this is humbling and remarkable.”
“I’m simply the lucky guy up there.”
In the meantime, French horse Americain showcased his potential for back-to-back Melbourne Cup victories with an impressive win in the Group II Moonee Valley Cup.
Starting at $3.50, slightly higher than his opening quote of $2.80, Americain was expertly guided by Gerald Mosse, who maneuvered him off the rail before the home turn.
Once he had room, he accelerated to win by 2-1/2 lengths over Caulfield Cup placegetter Tullamore ($4).
Illo (8.50), a German import trained by Bart Cummings, made a strong debut in Australia, finishing a commendable 1-1/4 lengths behind in third.
“He’s a remarkable horse,” managing owner Gerry Ryan said of Americain, who remains unbeaten in three Australian starts.
“Hopefully, in ten days, we can witness a repeat of last year’s Melbourne Cup victory.”
“Gerald has always mentioned this would serve as a test to gauge how he’s feeling. It has been four months since he rode the horse. He was happy with what he observed yesterday morning.”
“We will leave tonight with the assurance that we have a serious competitor.”
“Last year, we faced a champion (So You Think) to beat, but this time, competitors must surpass him.”
by Buford Balony