Black Caviar finally boarded a plane heading for Britain yesterday for her hugely anticipated appearance in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Peter Moody's mare has become one of the all-time greats in Australian racing after her remorseless rise through the sprinting division, and will be looking for her 22nd victory from as many starts on June 23.
Moody has taken no chances as Black Caviar makes her first overseas trip, fitting her with a special compression suit for a journey of more than 30 hours with several stopovers.
Racing Victoria's Twitter feed read: "Black Caviar has emerged from her float at Melb Airport decked out in her famous compression suit. UK here she comes!"
It added: "Singapore Airlines SQ7297 about to taxi out with Black Caviar aboard. Cargo includes A380 engine and fruit & veggies! First stop Singapore."
Black Caviar should arrive at her quarters in Newmarket on Friday and will be accompanied by her vet, exercise rider and the stable foreman.
Such is her dominance, and lack of likely competition, Coral make the colossal mare the 4-9 favourite to win, and just 6-1 to score by five lengths or more.
"Confirmed challengers to Black Caviar in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes look few and far between at this stage, and we can envisage her blowing the opposition away on her first start outside of Australia," said Coral's David Stevens.
"Sprinters from Down Under have proved their worth in Britain in recent years, but Black Caviar brings with her form that is far superior to the likes of Choisir, Takeover Target, Miss Andretti and Scenic Blast, and as far as we're concerned it's not if she wins, but a question of how far she wins by."
Investec Derby winner Camelot features among 37 initial entries for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on July 21.
The Irish Derby would seem his most likely next port of call, but he could then step up and take on his elders, with the King George a possibility.
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