Breeding & Racing Magazine

Black Caviar Equals Her Best Timeform Rating

Meanwhile Timeform's Australian representative Gary Crispe reported that, despite the fact "history & statistics were stacked against the great mare dropping back 400m in distance at Gr1 level in the space of 7 days," the post-race analysis points to Black Caviar "equalling her career-best Timeform rating of 135" in last weekend's Gr1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) victory. Crispe noted: "There is little doubt the Lightning was no exhibition gallop with pressure being applied throughout. . . . . It is probably not possible to run in-race sectionals much faster (55.53sec for 1000m, with the last 600m in a sizzling 31.82sec - 9.98sec between the 600-400m, 10.40sec between the 400-200m & 11.40sec for the final 200m) & Black Caviar will certainly know she has been in a race. You sensed that for the first time Luke Nolen (jockey) may have got to the bottom of Black Caviar, at least for a short time. . . . . There is no doubt about the form lines of those that finished behind her, including a predominantly injury free Hay List (5 meetings now for 4 2nds) & the consistent Buffering (3 meetings for 2 2nds & a 3rd). The Timefigure Analysis on an improving racing surface also underpinned a 135 rating. It is not surprising she has run to her master Timeform rating. This was not a straightforward race for her, particularly at this stage of her campaign, being essentially an 'afterthought'. Only the great racehorses can overcome such adversity & that is what we witnessed, but in the process Black Caviar was pushed close to the limit of her ability to execute another clinical victory."