Australian mare Black Caviar may have been out of action for eight months, but she still remains one of the top-rated race horses in world, boasting an unblemished 22-win record.
Back on track —
Australian mare Black Caviar may have been out of action for eight months, but she still remains one of the top-rated race horses in world, boasting an unblemished 22-win record.
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Her last appearance was at Britain's Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in June 2012, where she won -- just.
By a nose —
Her last appearance was at Britain's Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in June 2012, where she won -- just.
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It was later revealed the six-year-old horse (pictured with co-owner Peter Moody) won the dramatic Ascot race with a muscle injury.
Road to recovery —
It was later revealed the six-year-old horse (pictured with co-owner Peter Moody) won the dramatic Ascot race with a muscle injury.
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The Queen congratulates jockey Luke Nolen on his Ascot triumph. Nolen has ridden Black Caviar to victory 19 times in her stellar career.
Royal reception —
The Queen congratulates jockey Luke Nolen on his Ascot triumph. Nolen has ridden Black Caviar to victory 19 times in her stellar career.
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Two-time Lightning Stakes winner Black Caviar is now favorite to win Saturday's race in Melbourne -- her first since June.
Lightning strikes twice —
Two-time Lightning Stakes winner Black Caviar is now favorite to win Saturday's race in Melbourne -- her first since June.
Courtesy Vogue Australia
Despite her time out, 2012 was still a bumper year for Black Caviar. She appeared on the cover of Vogue, launched a best-selling biography and was named Australian Sportswoman of the Year.
Fan club —
Despite her time out, 2012 was still a bumper year for Black Caviar. She appeared on the cover of Vogue, launched a best-selling biography and was named Australian Sportswoman of the Year.
Regi Varghese/Getty Images/File
Win or lose on Saturday, one thing is certain -- Black Caviar has already cemented her place in the hearts of Australians, with thousands cheering her on at Ascot.
Aussie army —
Win or lose on Saturday, one thing is certain -- Black Caviar has already cemented her place in the hearts of Australians, with thousands cheering her on at Ascot.
Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images/File
Beyond the track, Black Caviar may also have a profitable career as a breeding mare, with managing owner Neil Werrett hinting that champion British thoroughbred Frankel (pictured) could make a good match.
Future Frankel? —
Beyond the track, Black Caviar may also have a profitable career as a breeding mare, with managing owner Neil Werrett hinting that champion British thoroughbred Frankel (pictured) could make a good match.
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Comparisons have been drawn between Black Caviar and champion Australian race horse Phar Lap, who rose to fame during the Great Depression. Phar Lap's body is now housed in the Melbourne Museum.
Phar lap's successor? —
Comparisons have been drawn between Black Caviar and champion Australian race horse Phar Lap, who rose to fame during the Great Depression. Phar Lap's body is now housed in the Melbourne Museum.
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