LUCKY 13

The superlatives continued to flow after Black Caviar stretched her unbeaten record to 13 wins by taking out the BTC Cup-G1 at Doomben in front of a crowd of some 20,000 on Saturday.
Forget for a moment that she’s by Bel Esprit from a Desert Sun mare – a fact that we’re monstrously proud of – and relish the fact she is breathing life back into racing.
Indeed, Brisbane locals were lined up before race one to make sure they got a glimpse of the wonder horse.
People who wouldn’t normally give a flying fetlock about horse racing are now talking up the deeds of Black Caviar in cafes and supermarkets and putting the industry firmly in the spotlight.
Long may she rule …
And win No. 13 certainly brought some records with it:

1. Black Caviar now has 12 consecutive stakes victories (Kingston Town won 10 on the trot).
2. She’s the first horse to win six Group Ones in a row since the race classifications were introduced in 1978.
3. The only horse to win the Patinack Classic, Lightning Stakes, Newmarket Handicap, William Reid Stakes, TJ Smith and BTC Cup in the one season.
4. Bettered Sunline’s record for Group One wins by a mare in a season.
5. Equalled Kingston Town and Weekend Hussler’s record feat of winning six Group Ones in a season.

Spare a thought for Statue of Liberty’s (big) boy, Hay List, who again gave his all to finish second behind Black Caviar – his fourth defeat by the mare.
Since taking out his first black type in the Healy Stakes-G3 at Eagle Farm last June, Hay List has raced on nine occasions for five wins (including the Manikato-G1 and All Aged-G1) and three seconds.
In any other era, Hay List is the winner of five Group Ones, two Group Twos and a Group Three and is the automatic choice as Horse of the Year.
Probably just got to console his owners with the knowledge that he’s the best male sprinter in the world!