Tuesday 7 February 2012

Caviar spot-on for distance test - Nolen

By Mike Hedge

Regular jockey Luke Nolen has put a concise seal of approval on champion mare Black Caviar as she prepares to step into uncharted territory at Caulfield on Saturday.

After riding the mare in her final serious gallop at Caulfield on Tuesday morning, Nolen said Black Caviar was ready for her first test at 1400m in Saturday's CF Orr Stakes.

"She is absolutely first class," Nolen said.

Black Caviar will be attempting to record her 18th win from as many starts in Saturday's race, the first in which she has been asked to run beyond 1200m.

But Nolen dismissed any concerns.

"She'll be as effective, if not more, at 1400," he said.

"I can't see any reason why anybody should be worried about it.

"She went for a little spin this morning and she'll be perfect for Saturday."

Nolen also expressed confidence in Black Caviar taking on the world, possibly in Dubai next month, saying he would be ready to ride her wherever she raced.

"She could be going around the backyard pulling a cart and I'd be there with her," he said.

While Black Caviar is again the feature sprinter of the autumn carnival, the star stayer of the season is also on track.

The 2010 Melbourne Cup winner Americain, who has remained in Australia since last year's Cup, is due to resume racing in next month's Australian Cup at Flemington.

But stable representative Stephanie Nigge said the horse would only run if the track suited.

"The plan is for him to run in the Australian Cup and then to go to Sydney for the BMW," Nigge said.

"But if the track is too firm at Flemington he will go straight to Sydney and run in the Ranvet Stakes."

Nigge, who has been involved with Americain throughout the horse's career in France, has remained with him since his Australian owners decided to keep him in this country until he retires.

The pair has been together at David Hayes' new Lindsay Park training complex at Euroa for the past two months.

Nigge said the horse had been on a "working holiday" since winning the Zipping Classic (2400m) at Sandown last November.

"He has had a half-spell," Nigge said.

"He goes to the paddock every day but he also works every day."

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