Black Caviar will have to face a larger than norm group of talented challengers in order to claim her 18th unbeaten victory in the CF Orr Stakes at Caulfield this Saturday.
Quite on the contrary to the usual tiny fields stacked with Peter Moody-trained runners she faces, Black Caviar will instead line up again eight worthy rivals.
Amongst the CF Orr Stakes field is reigning Caulfield Cup winner Southern Speed.
Southern Speed is in fantastic form, winning her first-up start in the Listed John Dillon Stakes on January 26.
The four-year-old mare will be once again tackling the 1,400 metre distance against the great Black Caviar and will make for some welcome competition against the Australian queen of sprinting.
Neville Parnham’s Playing God will also make up part of Saturday’s CF Orr Stakes field.
The Western Australian galloper won the Group 1 Kingston Town Stakes at Ascot last start, however, Parnham has realistic expectations going into the weekend.
“I am looking forward to Saturday but obviously he is not going to beat her,” Parnham said.
“So long as he runs an even race and is working to the line like a miler and middle distance horse should do on Saturday, I will be happy.”
Parnham was impressed with Playing God’s recent trial performance, where he finished second to King Saul.
“He had a little bit of a blow after the trial but he recovered very quickly,” Parnham said.
“That will bring him on and he will be ready to go around on Saturday for sure.
“He has always been a bit back backward but you will find a different horse when you see him this time.
“With that little bit of time out he seems to be getting stronger and better and I am confident this will be his best year.”
Efficient, Midas Touch and Illo are also included in the CF Orr Stakes field.
