Black Caviar is better than ever according to Peter Moody

She’s already scared away nearly all her rivals from the 2011 Schillaci Stakes and the news from the Peter Moody stable won’t help ease concerns from the anxious connections that remain.

In fact the ominous warning Moody has sounded out about super mare Black Caviar is that she’s better than she’s ever been.

“My feeling has always been that this would be her preparation as a fully mature five-year-old,” Moody said.

“She’s always had those little niggles and there has been a few question marks in the past, but she has really grown into a big, strong mare.

“She is more mature, physically and mentally. I think she has improved.”

Black Caviar is gearing up for her first up run for the spring in the $200,000 Schillaci Stakes across 1000m at Caulfield this Saturday.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for as she seeks out a 14th successive victory, if she’s successful it would equal the mark set by Australian legend Phar Lap.

The magnitude of achievements aren’t lost on her opposition with only seven rivals nominated for the event and many of those trainers have acknowledged they are racing for second and just happy to be part of the spectacle.

What’s more is the fact that none of them are what you would class as genuine top liners, in fact with the exception of Karuta Queen and Morgan Dollar which have won at Listed level, there’s not another black type victory among them.

It seems a matter of fact then that Black Caviar will cruise to victory at Caulfield this Saturday and etch her name in history alongside Phar lap forever.

“It’s a big name, none bigger,” Moody said.

“I suppose the difference is that she is undefeated, but to be mentioned in those quarters is a little unrealistic for horses to be recognised side-by-side seven or eight decades apart.

“Certainly, it would be a nice honour for the mare.”

Moody says he’s learned to deal with the never before seen interest and expectation of his horse which has transcended from purely racing circles to the wider public.

“I think at her last five or six wins she’s had some sort of record attributed to her,” he said.

“It (the pressure) continues to build, but the good thing about myself and my staff is that we have learned to handle it.”

Moody has had Black Caviar back in his care for a full month after she enjoyed an extended spell following her win in the BTC Cup during the Brisbane Winter Carnival.

She had an easy jumpout win at Caulfield last week and she’ll round out her preparations with a gallop on the course proper at Caulfield today.

“Everything is ticking over very nicely,” he said.

Final fields for the 2011 Schillaci Stakes will be released soon after the cut off period for nominations was extended until today.