Friday, March 25, 2011

From Moonee Valley to Meydan

For someone who usually enjoys racing that tests a horse’s stamina, two out-and-out speed merchants have captured my imagination over recent times, namely Black Caviar and Rocket Man. Both horses are blessed with a scintillating turn of foot, and can dispel their rivals with effortless acceleration. Black Caviar has proven herself to be the proverbial freak, highlighted by her stroll in the G1William Read S. at Moonee Valley, Melbourne last night.

Black Caviar
(c) thoroughbrednews.com.au
By running fast and often, Black Caviar symbolizes everything that is good about Australian racing. Her domestic dominance and perfect eleven-for-eleven record has transcended the sporting realm Down Under, making her the most talked-about horse since Makybe Diva. Unfortunately, her connections have been a tad reluctant to embark on an international campaign, but it can only be a matter of time before she spreads her wings and follows in the footsteps of Choisir, Takeover Target, Miss Andretti and Starspangledbanner.

You Tube Video Link - Black Caviar William Reid Stakes Group 1 Moonee Valley
Rocket Man - (c) sahracing.com
On the other hand, Rocket Man is no stranger to the international scene having competed in Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai over recent seasons. Patrick Shaw’s bullet is unbeaten in 12 starts domestically, with his only defeats coming by an accumulated 1 1/4 lengths in four international Group 1 races. Rocket Man’s talent shows no signs of abating, and is in fine fettle leading up to the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen at Meydan this weekend. The six-year-old’s epic duel with Kinsale King in last year’s renewal will live long in the memory.

You Tube Video Link - 2010 Dubai Golden Shaheen
Black Caviar and Rocket Man are what racing is all about. Hopefully, their paths will cross on the racetrack in the not-too-distant future.

--Gary King

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