Despite a somewhat inept, unprofessional exhibition of jockeyship, Black Caviar remained unbeaten when winning her twenty-second race at Ascot last Saturday. Whatever was regular rider, Luke Nolen thinking about in the last strides, as his mount eased up and the jockey eased down? If Luke had just pushed and flicked his whip, Black Caviar would have won, seemingly comfortably by a length or so, instead of prevailing by a head in a desperate few last strides that undermined what really represented a tremendous effort. Never underestimate acclimatisation and travel. Notwithstanding the antics of Luke, who would have been suspended for a lengthy period back in Australia, for 'deceiving the handicapper' rulings, Black Caviar overcame so much, beating a quality field of Northern Hemisphere sprinters. Runner-up Moonlight Cloud is right out of the top drawer.
Travel is the bane of all thoroughbreds and that's why it was quite incredible to see this remarkable mare take on grade one sprinters in their own 'back yard' and beat them with an all-the-way success. Black Caviar was travelled at the 'wrong time' (winter in 'OZ!') and six years of age is the absolute periphery for mares. Although it's only my opinion and others may disagree vehemently, history is littered with exceptional mares that were over the top at six. On Betfair, I've layed them for good profit, at this age and it represents one of my best laying systems. Obviously, Luke 'got away' with an indiscretion* and though it obviously cost me (on the system!), it was good to see Black Caviar win and please so many enthusiastic, dedicated racing fans throughout the world. Retirement beckons, for the aforementioned reason!
If 'they' decide not to heed the obvious, greed can be the only reason! Quite an incredible week, so much went right, was right, and felt right! Had the 'Diamond Jubilee' been four years ago, Borderlescott would have raced against the incredible Bel Esprit mare. Instead this wonderful, ten-year-old lines up against only three rivals in the Conditions Stakes over five furlongs at Thirsk tonight, when 'soft' ground might just scupper his chances of beating progressive, David Barron-trained Magical Macey, my selection. Time beats us all. Borderlescott doesn't seem able to achieve consistency nowadays and significantly, Danny Tudhope simply can't be compared to Robert Winston as a jockey!
Luke stated he'd misjudged the winning line, in mitigation. No need for further cross examination, eh?
