• Luke NolenLuke Nolen
  • Black CaviarBlack Caviar

Caviar spot-on for distance test - Nolen

Regular jockey Luke Nolen has put a concise seal of approval on champion mare Black Caviar as she prepares to step into uncharted territory at Caulfield on Saturday.
2012-02-07T04:35:00+11:007th February 2012, 4:35 am
By Mike Hedge

MELBOURNE, Feb 7 AAP - Regular jockey Luke Nolen has put a concise seal of approval on champion mare Black Caviar as she prepares to step into uncharted territory at Caulfield on Saturday.

After riding the mare in her final serious gallop at Caulfield on Tuesday morning, Nolen said Black Caviar was ready for her first test at 1400m in Saturday's CF Orr Stakes.

"She is absolutely first class," Nolen said.

Black Caviar will be attempting to record her 18th win from as many starts in Saturday's race, the first in which she has been asked to run beyond 1200m.

But Nolen dismissed any concerns.

"She'll be as effective, if not more, at 1400," he said.

"I can't see any reason why anybody should be worried about it.

"She went for a little spin this morning and she'll be perfect for Saturday."

Nolen also expressed confidence in Black Caviar taking on the world, possibly in Dubai next month, saying he would be ready to ride her wherever she raced.

"She could be going around the backyard pulling a cart and I'd be there with her," he said.

While Black Caviar is again the feature sprinter of the autumn carnival, the star stayer of the season is also on track.

The 2010 Melbourne Cup winner Americain, who has remained in Australia since last year's Cup, is due to resume racing in next month's Australian Cup at Flemington.

But stable representative Stephanie Nigge said the horse would only run if the track suited.

"The plan is for him to run in the Australian Cup and then to go to Sydney for the BMW," Nigge said.

"But if the track is too firm at Flemington he will go straight to Sydney and run in the Ranvet Stakes."

Nigge, who has been involved with Americain throughout the horse's career in France, has remained with him since his Australian owners decided to keep him in this country until he retires.

The pair has been together at David Hayes' new Lindsay Park training complex at Euroa for the past two months.

Nigge said the horse had been on a "working holiday" since winning the Zipping Classic (2400m) at Sandown last November.

"He has had a half-spell," Nigge said.

"He goes to the paddock every day but he also works every day."

Click the "like" button on the Punters Paradise Facebook page to receive our news directly to your facebook feed, along with extra photos, discussions, newsletters, free tips and special betting offers.

You need to login or register to contribute here


IASBet Free Bet Centrebet Free Bet Sportingbet Free Bet Luxbet Free Bet Sportsbet Free Bet

Profile Pages

View profile pages including statistics, results, news, photos and more on all of the following...
Jockeys
Luke Nolen

Other News Stories

Next article: 2012-02-07T04:57:00+11:007th February 2012, 4:57 am
Gondola Girl aims to boost stud value
Trainer Rob Heathcote concedes Gondola Girl will never replicate the deeds of her famous relative Show A Heart and will be overjoyed if she can make a successful comeback at Doomben.
Previous article: 2012-02-07T04:14:00+11:007th February 2012, 4:14 am
McEvoy back for Diamond Preludes
Top jockey Kerrin McEvoy returns from suspension later this week and will be out to boost Darley's Blue Diamond Stakes assault in the two Preludes at Caulfield on Saturday.