Black Caviar and Winx: 25 of the best

Source: CHRIS ROOTS, The Sydney Morning Herald /

1. April 18, 2009: Two-year-old Restricted Hcp, Flemington, 1000m. Jockey: Jarrad Noske. Margin: Five lengths. Price: $3.

The only time Black Caviar would start in black odds as she streaked to an easy victory and ran her last 600 metres in 32.76 seconds. “I never had to go for her that first start. She just kept towing me into it and then just ran away from them,” Noske said.

May 16, 2015: Group 3 Sunshine Coast Guineas, Sunshine Coast, 1600m. Jockey: Larry Cassidy. Margin: 1-3/4 lengths. Price: $2.60.

Winx comes from last to win. “At the 1000 metres I thought, ‘This is not good’,’’ Cassidy said. ‘‘At the 600m it was even worse. I was in an impossible position. I just made the decision to come to the outside. If I was going to get beat, I didn’t want it to be because I was on the inside behind horses. That was just breathtaking. It’s a long time since I’ve been on one that let’s down like that.”

2. May 2, 2009: Listed Blue Sapphire Stakes, Caulfield, 1200m, J. Noske, six lengths, $1.50.

Black Caviar was just in a class of her own at her second start. “I was going to ride her back but she was just going half pace. She just ambled up there. She was the winner a long way out,” Noske said.

May 30, 2015: Group 1 Queensland Oaks, Doomben, 2200m, Hugh Bowman, 3.5 lengths, $1.95.

Winx again comes from well back in the field to take her first group 1. “When you’ve got that bit of class and that turn of foot it doesn’t matter where you sit or what you draw, they can overcome things like that. It helps when they’ve got that extra gear and Hughie found that today,” trainer Chris Waller said.

3. August 22, 2009: Listed Crockett Stakes, Moonee Valley, 1200m, Luke Nolen, three lengths, $1.20.

The first time Nolen sat on Black Caviar in a race and she blitzed her rivals again. Race-caller Greg Miles summed it up: ‘‘Black Caviar is all class and she coasts down to keep the perfect record.’’

September 15, 2015: Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes, Rosehill, 1300m, James MacDonald, head, $3.40.

“[I was an] absolute passenger. She’s a great mare. Her passage into the straight wasn’t exceptional, but good horses overcome that and that’s what she did. She is going to have to step up to be as good as Catkins but she is definitely well on her way,” McDonald said of Winx’s blistering acceleration.

4. September 5, 2009: Group 2 Danehill Stakes, Flemington, 1200m, L. Nolen, three-quartes of a length, $1.44.

Black Caviar slipped jumping from the barrier and had to be brave to win from Wanted, which would go on to be a Newmarket Handicap winner. “We had our hearts in our mouths today,” trainer Peter Moody said.

Out for eight: Hugh Bowman wins the Epsom on Winx.

Out for eight: Hugh Bowman wins the Epsom on Winx.

Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au

October 3, 2015: Group 1 Epsom Handicap, Randwick, 1600m, H Bowman, 2-1/4 lengths, $3.10.

“I don’t like to get carried away but she got stood on her head at the 450 [metres]. To get herself regathered, composed and win with authority … I’d just like to congratulate Chris Waller on the management of the horse,’’ Bowman said. “She’s a superstar in the making.”

5. January 22, 2010: Group 2 Australia Stakes, Moonee Valley, 1200m, L. Nolen, 2-1/4 lengths, $1.73.

“It’s very exciting to think of the level of improvement that she’s got as she’s a big, gross filly,”  Moody said.

October 24, 2015: Group 1 Cox Plate, Moonee Valley, 2040m, H Bowman, 4-3/4 lengths, $4.60.

Winx smashes Moonee Valley track record in first Cox Plate win. “From day one, we have always thought she had a lot of ability, she is a superior athlete, but you never think she would win a Cox Plate,’’ Waller said.

6. October 9, 2010: Group 2 Schillaci Stakes, Caulfield, 1000m, L Nolen, 1-1/4 lengths, $1.80.

Black Caviar returned after another injury layoff and Moody was worried about about further injury. “The biggest thrill I’ll get is tomorrow morning when I walk in the box and she’s in one piece,” he said

February 13, 2016: Group 2 Apollo Stakes, Randwick, 1400m, H. Bowman, length, $1.60.

“There is a sense of importance about this horse that is almost on the cusp of being a superstar and I feel it is important for racing to keep them winning. I just think every time about Pete Moody and Black Caviar and what he must have gone through. I just think that it is fantastic for racing and I hope that everyone is with us,” Waller said.

7. October 23, 2010: Group 2 Moir Stakes, Moonee Valley, 1200m, L. Nolen, five lengths, $1.40.

On the day So You Think won his second Cox Plate, Moody hinted for the first time that Black Caviar might be the best he had had. “She makes my life easy. She scares the hell out of me,” Moody said. “I think I might be getting overpaid with her.”

February 27, 2016: Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes, Randwick, 1600m, H. Bowman, 1-1/2 lengths,  $1.35.

“I have never ridden a horse that can sustain a sprint like her,’’ Bowman said. “I would be more inclined to wait a bit longer on any other horse but she has that X-factor about her, she has that top speed and you can rely on it.’’

First group 1: Ben Melham acknowledges the Flemington crowd as he returns on Black Caviar after winning the 2011 Patinack Farm Classic.

First group 1: Ben Melham acknowledges the Flemington crowd as he returns on Black Caviar after winning the 2011 Patinack Farm Classic.

Photo: Sebastian Costanzo

8. November 6, 2010: Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic, Flemington, 1200m, B. Melham, four lengths, $1.50.

Ben Melham replaced a suspended Luke Nolen for Black Caviar’s first group 1, and his as well. “I think I cheated, but I’ll take this one,” Melham said. ”I knew she was good, but today, horses just don’t do what she did. She quickened and then when I asked her to quicken again at the furlong she lengthened again. The frightening part was I still wasn’t near the bottom of her, I don’t think.”

March 19, 2016: Group 1 George Ryder Stakes, Rosehill, 1500m, H. Bowman, 1-1/2 lengths, $1.90.

“It’s a different kind of pressure from any other horse,” Waller said. “It surprises me beating horses like Press Statement and Kermadec. They are dead-set superstars in their own right and she has beaten them pretty easily.”

9. February 19, 2011: Group 1 Lightning Stakes, Flemington, 1000m, L. Nolen, 3-1/4 lengths, $1.29.

“What do you say,”  Moody said. “I’ve sort of lost things to say about her. It was pretty exciting stuff to watch, wasn’t it. She’s just one hell of a horse.”

April 2, 2016: Group 1 Doncaster Mile, Randwick, 1600m, H. Bowman, two lengths, $1.80.

Winx overcomes weight and interference and Waller labels her a champion. “We took on the handicapper. She’s a champion. Does it get any better? It’s pretty unbelievable,” Waller said.

Bet on black: Black Caviar makes a one-act affair of the Newmarket Handicap.

Bet on black: Black Caviar makes a one-act affair of the Newmarket Handicap.

Photo: Vince Caligiuri

10. March 12, 2011: Group 1 Newmarket Handicap, Flemington, 1200m, L. Nolen, three lengths, $1.18.

“You wouldn’t want to be chasing her on foot, would you?”  Moody said. “We all stood here when Makybe Diva won her three Melbourne Cups and never thought we’d see one as good. This mare might have a way to go but she’s right up there with Makybe.”

August 20, 2016: Group 2 Warwick Stakes, Randwick, 1400m, 3-1/2 lengths, H. Bowman, $1.24.

“Wow, what can I say?” Bowman said. “She seems to be stronger and judging by that win there’s another good prep ahead of her. Easiest win? It probably was but it was set up for that. It was nothing more than a track gallop for her.”

11. March 25, 2011: Group 1 William Reid Stakes, Moonee Valley, 1200m, L. Nolen, 1-3/4 lengths, $1.09.

Nolen accelerated from the 600m mark and victory was never in doubt. “That’s where she wins her races, in the middle stage. We put them away and [then] sat up for the photo. She hasn’t gone backwards. She keeps winning with relative ease.”

September 17, 2016: Group 1 George Main Stakes, Randwick, 1600m, H Bowman, 1-1/4 lengths, $1.09.

“There is nothing like that winning feeling. The dream continues,” Waller said.

12. April 9, 2011: Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes, Randwick, 1200m, L. Nolen, 2-3/4 lengths, $1.14.

“I could hear her coming and then when she hit overdrive I saw her going,” said Glyn Schofield, who rode runner-up Hay List .“She is phenomenal and you have to be unlucky to catch her [to race against] in a generation, she is just the best around. I heard the murmur of the crowd and the next thing there was this roar and I knew she was coming.”

October 8, 2016: Group 1 Caulfield Stakes, Caulfield, 2000m, H Bowman, two lengths, $1.24.

“Winx continued to respond so the last 200m was easier [to watch] than the first 1800m. Hugh Bowman is sensational, he doesn’t panic, he is ‘Mr Cool’. I didn’t given him any instructions before the race, I have full confidence in him,”  Waller said.

A taste of Black Caviar: The mighty mare thrills the big Doomben crowd with her 13th straight win in the BTC Cup.

A taste of Black Caviar: The mighty mare thrills the big Doomben crowd with her 13th straight win in the BTC Cup.

Photo: Paul Harris

13. May 14, 2011, Group 1, BTC Cup, Doomben, 1200m, L. Nolen, two lengths, $1.14.

“Once she flattened out I knew she wouldn’t be beaten,” Moody said. “It sends a tingle up your spine and she’s something to behold. She’s beaten probably the second-best sprinter (Hay List) in the world.”

Daylight second: Hugh Bowman rides Winx to win the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley in 2016.

Daylight second: Hugh Bowman rides Winx to win the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley in 2016.

Photo: AAP

October, 22, 2016: Group 1 Cox Plate, Moonee Valley, 2040m, H Bowman, eight lengths, $1.80.

“Obviously I thought she could win, but never like that,” Waller told reporters after the race. James McDonald, who rode runner-up Hartnell, summed it up: “It’s embarrassing. My horse is not as effective around these circuits, but she’s an absolute weapon. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. He went great, but she’s just a superstar.”

14. October 8, 2011: Group 2 Schillaci Stakes, Caulfield, 1000m, L. Nolen, 4-1/4 lengths, $1.07.

”It’s a relief to have her back in great shape and doing what she loves and putting on a great show for the crowd,” Moody said. ”She’s a fully developed mare now and this will be her best campaign.”

February 13, 2017: Group 2 Apollo Stakes, Randwick, 1400m, H. Bowman, 1-1/4 lengths, $1.14.

The Apollo was delayed to Monday by a heatwave but it didn’t stop Winx’s winning run. “It’s going to take a champion to beat her or it’s going to take her to fail to get beaten,” Waller said. “We’ll be hoping for those two things to stay away and she’ll continue on winning.”

15. October 22, 2011: Group 2 Moir Stakes, Moonee Valley, 1200m, L. Nolen, six lengths, $1.05.

Another easy win but Darren Beadman, who flew in to ride in the Cox Plate, was in awe of the great mare. “She is a monster,” Beadman said. “If you didn’t look under the tail you would think it was a male. She has some driving power there and she hasn’t turned a hair. She’s saving it all for the race.”

February 25, 2017: Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes, Randwick, 1600m, H. Bowman, two lengths, $1.22.

On a wet Sydney afternoon,  Waller’s main concern was the the state of the track before Winx put on another exhibition. “All I thought about was the public and letting the horse down,” Waller said. “I didn’t want to be responsible for letting my horse down. Once I went for a walk on the track, I think the walk was more for me, but once I did that I had the confidence knowing the track was safe.”

16. November 5, 2011: Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic, Flemington, 1200m, L. Nolen, 2-3/4 lengths, $1.05.

“She toyed with them. She’s a helluva horse,” Moody said.

Space job: Winx explodes to win the George Ryder Stakes last year.

Space job: Winx explodes to win the George Ryder Stakes last year.

Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au

March 18, 2017: Group 1 George Ryder Stakes, Rosehill, 1500m, H. Bowman, 7-1/4 lengths, $1.26.

“You’ve got a lot of horse underneath you and you kick … 99 times out of 100 that kick gets you home. But that one per cent where you’ve got a horse like Winx tagging you and on your tail [you’re no hope],” said Glyn Schofield, who was on runner-up Le Romain.

17. January 27, 2012: Group 2 Australia Stakes, Moonee Valley, 1200m, L. Nolen, 4-1/4 lengths, $1.05.

With Royal Ascot on the horizon Moody liked what he saw on her return. “It’s great to see her back,” Moody said. “Her attitude is good, her action is terrific, so hopefully it’s the start of a wonderful six months.”

April 8, 2017: Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Randwick, 2000m, H. Bowman, 5-1/4 lengths, $1.12.

“Just look at her, she’s a supreme athlete, she’s the ultimate professional, I love her and I could really feel the crowd’s love for her,” Bowman said.

18. February 11, 2012: Group 1 C F Orr Stakes, Caulfield, 1400m, L. Nolen, 3-1/4 lengths, $1.05.

“What do you say, it’s unbelievable,” Moody said. “It’s mind-boggling. What she does to good horses is unbelievable. I’m just rapt. It’s amazing, we’ve never pushed her.”

August 19, 2017: Group 2 Warwick Stakes, Randwick, 1400m H. Bowman, head, $1.10.

Winx missed the start by five lengths and still won with Bowman saying she defied logic. Waller added: “I don’t think I have ever had a horse go that quick. Hugh came back and said, ‘Well, she had a good gallop.’ Looking at the times just tells you how good she is, but you just have to look at the replay to know that was very special.”

19. February 18, 2012: Group 1 Lightning Stakes, Flemington, 1000m, L. Nolen, 1-3/4 lengths, $1.10.

‘‘She’s an equine freak, I suppose,’’ Moody said. ‘‘She’s the best horse and Luke rode her accordingly. She loves the straight. She’s a champion.’’

September 2, 2017: Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes, Randwick, 1600m, H. Bowman, length, $1.09.

“That’s why he is the best. And she is as well,” owner Peter Tighe said after Hugh Bowman judged a charge to victory perfectly after giving up 15 lengths to Red Excitement midrace before running him down. “You can’t have a horse like Winx without having a Hugh Bowman,” Waller added. “He is so important and we just saw why.”

Bowman's best: Winx after her 19th straight win in the Chemlsford Stakes.

Bowman’s best: Winx after her 19th straight win in the Chemlsford Stakes.

Photo: AAP

20. April 28, 2012: Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes, Morphettville, 1200m, L. Nolen, 4-1/2 lengths, $1.05.

“She’s in great shape and it’s just fabulous to see the people here to enjoy her today,” Moody said. “It’s unbelievable how she copes with it. Most of your sprinters are your wound-up, excitable types while she sits back and takes it all in her stride. She’s a remarkable horse. She’s very relaxed and she knows she is something different.”

September 16, 2017: Group 1 George Main Stakes, Randwick, 1600m, H. Bowman, 1-1/4 lengths, $1.12.

“She has done it again, she is such a delight to be a part of and I have really run out of things to say, she is such a magical horse and she just never fails to get the job done,’’ Bowman said.

21. May 12, 2012: Group 1 Goodwood Handicap, Morphettville, 1200m,  L. Nolen, 1-1/4 lengths, $1.05.

“The naysayers will be saying, ‘She only beat We’re Gonna Rock by a length and a quarter’, but no one has ever given us any more [money] for winning by big spaces. It’s never been about margins. It’s just great to get another win on the board,” Moody said

October 7, 2017: Group 1 Turnbull Stakes, Flemington, 2000m, H. Bowman, 6-1/2 lengths, $1.20.

“21 today on the biggest dancefloor of them all,” racecaller Matt Hill said as Winx won her first race at Flemington.

Racing royalty: Queen Elizabeth II meets Black Caviar after her Diamond Jubilee victory.

Racing royalty: Queen Elizabeth II meets Black Caviar after her Diamond Jubilee victory.

Photo: Alan Davidson/The Picture Library

22. June 23, 2012: Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes, Royal Ascot, 1200m, L. Nolen, nose, $1.17.

Nolen dropped his hands on the big mare but she picked herself back up to win in front of the queen. “She’s done a hell of a job. It was guts, grit and determination which got her home but I’m disappointed you didn’t see how good she is,” Moody said

October 28, 2017: Group 1 Cox Plate, Moonee Valley, 2040m, H. Bowman, long neck, $1.18.

“I’m lost for words, she’s just made history,” Bowman said. “I was born the year Kingston Town won his first Cox Plate and to think that she’s emulated the great, it’s incredible. We are in the presence of greatness and she will be recognised as one of the greatest horses to have graced the Australian turf.”

23. February 16, 2013: Group 1 Lightning Stakes, Flemington, 1000m, L. Nolen, 2-1/2 lengths, $1.10.

Back with a Flemington 1000m track record. “I said to my girls that this is the first time I have been so nervous. I’m a bit emotional,” Moody said. ”You always worry. You are on a hiding to nothing. To come back, do that, break the record makes you lost for words. It could be her best career performance, given the time she ran.”

March 3, 2018: Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes, Randwick, 1600m, H. Bowman, seven lengths, $1.09.

“She is better now than when she was a four-year-old. Not much has changed in the last 12 months. She knows it’s her job, she enjoys her job, she enjoys going home and being another horse,” Waller said.

24. March 22, 2013: Group 1 William Reid Stakes, Moonee Valley, 1200m, L. Nolen, four lengths, $1.05.

With the eyes of the country on her once again, Black Caviar delivers with Moody admitting she might be getting better but he knew the end was nigh. “It’s not about the wins now, but about the show, the way she makes people feel.”

March 24, 2018: Group 1 George Ryder Stakes, Rosehill, 1500m, H. Bowman, three-quarters of a length, $1.16.

“The intensity is just unexplainable,” Waller said. “I don’t know why, or if it is just me? You enjoy the after part of the race, crossing the line. You have that sense of responsibility not to go crazy and make sure you are fully respecting your competition and where she is at in her career.”

Perfect 25: Black Caviar makes history by winning the TJ Smith Stakes at Royal Randwick.

Perfect 25: Black Caviar makes history by winning the TJ Smith Stakes at Royal Randwick.

Photo: Dallas Kilponen

25. April 13, 2013: Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes, Randwick, 1200m, L. Nolen, three lengths, $1.14.

“She’s got such a great attitude,” Nolen said. “Combine that with her ability and it’s great she’s bringing crowds back to racing. And she’s not letting them down.”