It’s not a misjudged sense of optimism but far more a sensible build up to the future which may see Crystal Lily head to Moonee Valley against the rampaging Black Caviar.

Already beaten easily by the ‘Black Flash’ twice this season, it appears instead of heading to Adelaide to avoid running into her they are content to stay put and self admittedly run for second place.

“We’re probably leaning to staying home,” owner David Moody said.

“She’s got a Sydney campaign ahead of her then probably Brisbane so it’s one less travelling arrangement to contend with.

“I don’t like travelling them early in their campaigns – I’d rather she be deep into it and fully fit.

“If she stays here it’s just around the corner and she’s back in her box pretty quickly. And someone’s got to run second to her (Black Caviar).”

It’s a rational argument from Moody, to accept an almost certain defeat but no risk writing off his runner for an extended period just by rushing to interstate events.

The problem he has though is if Crystal Lily continues her planned racing schedule, there’s every chance she’ll run into Black Caviar on a regular basis.

From Moonee Valley they are set to clash in Sydney for at least one, but potentially two races.

After that Crystal Lily is headed to the Brisbane Winter Carnival, a route where Black Caviar is expected to feature as well on at least two occasions.

Despite the threat of further destruction at the hands of the world’s best sprinter, Moody is happen with the way his filly is progressing.

He’s also content with jockey Stephen Baster who took Crystal Lily to an unexpected second place last start.

It would be a miracle if she were to cause an upset with Black Caviar amassing a combined winning margin of 12 lengths from just three runs at Moonee Valley.