Black Caviar to test unbeaten record in Australia Stakes

Black Caviar, unbeaten in 16 races, resumes racing Friday following an 11-week break in the Group 2 Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley Racecourse, a race she won in 2010.

The Australia Stakes, run over about six furlongs with an approximate purse of $208,000, is the first of three expected starts in the next month that will determine Black Caviar’s spring campaign. Trainer Peter Moody has two Group 1 stakes over about seven furlongs at Caulfield on Black Caviar’s schedule in February – the $416,000 C.F. Orr Stakes on Feb. 11 and the $520,000 Futurity Stakes on Feb. 25.

After that, Black Caviar, 6, could start in the $1.4 million Newmarket Handicap over six furlongs at Flemington Racecourse or travel to Dubai for the $2 million Golden Shaheen at Meydan Racecourse. A long-term goal is the Royal Ascot meeting in England in June.

In the Australia Stakes, Black Caviar will be an overwhelming favorite in a field that could have as many as 13 runners. The race may include Rock Classic, winner of the 2010 Australian Guineas.