Racing: Black Caviar back on the farm

Black Caviar crops the grass at Murchison under the watchful eye of her two mates. Photo / Herald Sun

From the gate, she seems so normal.

Despite all the attention and fanfare while in Melbourne, this is a girl who likes to unwind with the best of them, enjoying warm, sunny days and the company of good friends. She enjoys the simple life, really.

The difference for this media darling? Her companions are Andy, a 29-year-old pony, and Billy the goat. Black Caviar has been called the greatest sprinter in history and has earned more than A$3.9 million from 16 consecutive wins, but on Peter Clarke's pre-training complex in Murchison, northern Victoria, she reverts to being a horse.

"There is a lot of pressure on her all the time, especially in Melbourne," Clarke told the Herald Sun.

"She comes up here to get away from all that. Up here it is just very natural and soothing, so we keep her sane."

The 5-year-old mare enjoys a paddock away from other horses to encourage her to relax, according to Clarke, but she is hardly alone with her two best mates keeping her company.

Clarke said the relationship between the racehorse and Andy the pony evolved. With the nanny goats in the neighbouring paddock due to give birth, the dynamic duo became a trio.

"They got on like a house on fire. They just play together and chase each other around a bit."

Next year will be demanding for Black Caviar, with plans to test her on the world stage in June at Royal Ascot in England. While Clarke said it would be a hard race to win, the "relaxed and confident" horse was geared to go.

Despite Black Caviar's celebrity, her friends in the country have no idea of her fame. The goat, mare and pony make a strange sight, but as they team up to weasel more carrots and apples from Clarke, the bonds of friendship are clear.

Undefeated or not, Black Caviar will still have her grazing mates.

"We can just see her sigh with relief when she gets up here."

In more immediate news from the Moody stable, he is considering a start in the Perth Cup for Elusive King, winner of Saturday's Comic Court Handicap at Flemington on protest.

The Elusive Quality 4-year-old suffered significant interference in the straight during the 2000m event before going down to The Big Steel by a head.

However jockey Brad Rawiller quickly fired in an objection which was upheld after a brief hearing.

Moody has a good opinion of Elusive King who made it two straight wins having beaten The Big Steel by three lengths over 2000m at Caulfield at their last meeting on December 3.

"We just want to evaluate the form from the Cox Stakes and then decide whether to go or not."

The Neville Parnham-trained God Has Spoken won the group two A$225,000 weight-for-age C.B. Cox Stakes (2100m) at Ascot on Saturday beating former Victorian galloper Kincaple and $1.80 favourite Ranger.

- AAP