Sydney catches Black Caviar fever - The Australian

Black Caviar,William Reid Stakes, Moonee Valley Races, Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

SYDNEY has caught Black Caviar fever but the Harbour City is now praying against anymore rain between now and Saturday.

Black Caviar worked the Sydney way of going at Caulfied yesterday and galloped so fast that trainer Peter Moody described it as "scary".

In an ominous sign for Black Caviar's rivals in the T.J. Smith Stakes, it was later learned that she had broken 22s for the final 400m of her 800m gallop.

The only thing that could potentially stop the undisputed champion is the weather, with trainer Peter Moody declaring his undefeated star will not run a on a heavy track.

Forecasts show Sydney should deliver on its end of the bargain.

An Aussie heroine: The ode to immortality

Saturday's race day is sold out but The Sunday Telegraph has secured 10 double members reserve tickets to give away. Click here for your chance to win a double pass. Entries close at 23.59 tonight.

To acknowledge her appearance, Royal Randwick will be transformed into a sea of salmon and black as the world's greatest horse goes for her 25th consecutive victory.

Black Caviar will attempt to break Kingston Town's record of 14 Group 1 wins in the race named after "KT's" legendary trainer, and father of Gai Waterhouse, Tommy J Smith.

Adding to Sydney's Black Caviar fever, the mighty mare's little brother goes under the hammer today at Royal Randwick. The colt to Redoute's Choice out of Helsinge is predicted to go for more than $3 million at auction.

To mark the occasion on Saturday, Channel 7 will screen a one-hour documentary tracing the amazing racing career of Black Caviar, leading in to a live broadcast of the race.

It will feature interviews with jockey Luke Nolen, trainer Peter Moody, her owners and racing experts.

The Australian Turf Club (ATC) agreed to move the race to the last event of the day to properly commemorate the occasion. Seven's head of sport Saul Shtein said the horse was an "Australian sporting icon" and deserved to have her career celebrated with a one-hour tribute.

The ATC is turning Royal Randwick black and salmon with 5000 flags inside the racecourse and lining Alison Rd leading to the track.

There will also be 5000 masks distributed and a special Black Caviar cocktail. Spectators have also been encouraged to wear salmon and black and there will be prizes for the best dressed.

"The fact that Black Caviar, the greatest thoroughbred in the world, is competing in the TJ Smith Stakes, named after arguably the greatest trainer in the world, is an event which alone has captured the imagination of the nation," Racing Minister George Souris said.