For a sport with a heritage based on gambling

 For a sport with a heritage based on gambling, it's strange to think that the most celebrated of its contestants has made betting on her races virtually redundant, reports The Age. 

That's the beauty of Black Caviar, the superstar mare who has replaced her industry's problems with fascination, admiration and athletic majesty.

''Makybe Diva got close, Takeover Target was a great racing story, there's been Sunline, Octagonal, Lonhro - but Black Caviar's the one that's gone to the next level,'' says Darren Pearce, chief executive of the Australian Turf Club. ''They all broadened racing's appeal. But none since Phar Lap has done it in the way that Black Caviar has. She is the modern-day Phar Lap, a once-in-a-century horse.''  

 

On Saturday, the six-year-old, barring an unthinkable upset, will become racing's most successful group 1 winner. Watched by millions, she will do so by winning the T.J.Smith Stakes, a lovely twist, as Smith trained the great Kingston Town, the horse whose record Black Caviar will break.