Black Caviar in top shape: Peter Moody

15-06-2012

Ray Thomas From: The Daily Telegraph June 15, 2012 3:53pm

TRAINER Peter Moody got his first look at the mighty Black Caviar at Newmarket trackwork this morning - and he liked what he saw.

Moody flew into England on Thursday night but was at the stables at 4.45am to inspect his champion sprinter.

It's the first time he has laid eyes on Black Caviar since she left Australia nearly two weeks ago and the trainer could not have been more pleased.

"Her coat looks better than I expected, she looks really well," Moody said.

"When she won that first race in Adelaide, her coat was starting to come out and she probably didn't look that good.

"But she has obviously settled in very well here and that's the best she has looked for ages. I'm very happy with where she is at eight days out from the race."

Black Caviar was restricted to some light exercise over Bury Hill, one of the many training tracks around Newmarket.

Moody said he will decide in the next day or so whether the mighty mare needs a fast gallop before the Diamond Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot on June 23.

Black Caviar was the first horse out at trackwork this morning - and there was only two Australian journalists and Moody's stable staff on hand to watch the mare go through her paces.

This was a far cry from yesterday when more than 100 media and camera crews were there to watch Black Caviar's early morning workout.

Moody plans to hold a press conference later today

As Black Caviar came back in after her morning exercise, Australia's other Royal Ascot hopeful, Ortensia also worked over Bury Hill.

Trainer Paul Messara said Ortensia was only out to "stretch her legs" as she has completed all her fast work in preparation for the King's Stand Stakes (a1000m) on June 19.