Wine & Winterbottom on Black Caviar's Western Itinerary

Perth Turf Talk | Mon 10 October, 2011

The world's fastest racehorse is set to deliver a multi-million dollar bonanza to Perth Racing as a WA trip featuring wine and Black Caviar gets closer to reality for the champion mare's owners.

Black Caviar equalled legendary Phar Lap's record of 14 consecutive wins by cantering to victory in Saturday's Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield.

Part-owner Neil Werrett later confirmed that the mare's connections were already planning for a trip to the Margaret River wine region to coincide with her likely start in the $500,000 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot on November 19.

Perth Racing officials have estimated an attendance boost from 18,000 fans to 30,000 if the Peter Moody-trained flying machine starts in the race. That would mean a windfall of about $3 million.

Moody said Black Caviar's win ticked another crucial box in terms of her chances of coming to Perth. She has won in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and is expected to head overseas next year to run at Royal Ascot.

"We'd love to come to Perth," Werrett said. "We're planning it, all going well. We all want to go across and have a few days in Margaret River and then hopefully to the racecourse.

"She has an amazing following and the people of Australia have really got behind her.

"All we can really do is take her to places and showcase her and because we're all mates, to go over there for a few days beforehand would be good fun.

"Now all she needs to do is to stay sound. If Peter can keep her fresh and sound, she'll be there."

The Caulfield course was awash with flags, masks, silks, ties and even a pavilion featuring Black Caviar's racing colours.

The Melbourne Racing Club was so convinced of her victory that it had already framed photographs featuring Black Caviar and Phar Lap, which were presented to the owners after the race.

Werrett said his previous best galloper was sprinter Bel Mer, who was also by Black Caviar's sire Bel Esprit. But she never reached the heights of Australia's current racing sweetheart.

Black Caviar's next start is at Moonee Valley on Saturday week in the Group 2 Schweppes Stakes (1200m) before she chases another win in the $1 million Patinack Farm Classic at Flemington (1200m) on November 5.

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