A step up in distance proved no hurdle for Black Caviar in the G1 Orr Stakes

The 1400 metres of today's $400,000 Group 1 Sportingbet C.F. Orr Stakes proved no greater challenge to Black Caviar than the shorter races that she has dominated for the past two years with the unbeaten mare cruising to yet another effortless win.

The Peter Moody-trained megastar excelled at her first start beyond 1200m, coasting to a 3-1/4-length win over Southern Speed in front of more than 20,000 fans that took full advantage of free entry at Caulfield to cheer her home.

The victory took her unbeaten streak to 18 races and matched the winning streak of Hall of Fame inductee Ajax, who put together his stretch in the late 1930s.

But Moody was just happy to see her deliver after another big build up and add another chapter to what has become one of Australian sport's all-time great stories.

“It's the public expectation that gets me, because you'd hate to disappoint the 20 to 30,000 people that have turned up,” Moody said.

“People from all over Australia have come here today. A lady left her flooded house in Grafton to come down and see her. Northern Queensland, Western Australia, people (have come) from everywhere and it's amazing.

“The end is nearer than the beginning but let's hope it goes for another season or two yet.”

Despite being 200m further than any event she had previously contested, the Orr Stakes played out similarly to most of Black Caviar's other races.

After settling just off the speed, jockey Luke Nolen edged the $1.05 favourite up alongside the leaders rounding the home bend before quickly putting the result beyond doubt and being eased down over the concluding stages.

Caulfield Cup winner Southern Speed turned in an outstanding effort to come from the rear and grab second off what was a pedestrian early tempo, while Western Australian gelding Playing God was half a length back in third.

Black Caviar's time of 1:25.14 was almost four seconds outside Exceed And Excel's track record, but she covered the last 600m in 32.97secs, including a head-spinning 10.64secs split between the 400m and the 200m.

Nolen said the race could not have worked out any better and was again impressed by the feel Black Caviar gave him.

“If you were writing a script, that is probably how you would want it to play out,” Nolen said.

“I gave her a shake for 50 yards or so and then I felt her let down. I think the clock will say she has run slick from the three (furlong), because she towed-up good when the pressure came on in the race.

“I just slipped her a bit of rein and she thought it was game on.”

The good news for racing fans is they may get another look at Black Caviar next Saturday with Moody flagging the prospect of a start in the $750,000 Group 1 Coolmore Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington ahead of another 1400m event at Caulfield, the Group 1 Futurity Stakes, on 25 February.