(Rod Gallegos is a leading commentator with Sky Racing and Sky Sports Radio.)

When the ABC for the first time swayed from humans to horses on its popular TV program, Australian Story, it was a significant deviation.

More particularly, when the subject is a racehorse called Black Caviar.

While a horse can't talk, the story which aired last week still unfolded as a poignant and passionate yarn.

While many of us sometimes tend to effusively acclaim prematurely horses to be budding champions there is a solid foundation for all of the accolades directed at his well-proportioned and excellently credentialed mare.

Unbeaten so far from 13 starts, racing left-handed in Victoria and right-handed in New South Wales and Queensland, she is adept and adaptable.

However, drawing comparisons between Black Caviar and the legendary Phar Lap are odious; different types, different eras.

Nevertheless, Black Caviar is one win short of Phar Lap's record of 14 consecutive wins but, of course, Black Caviar has the distinction of having been undefeated in her career so far.

Quite possibly, Black Caviar may remain undefeated. Provided she holds her present form it is hard to see any horse in this country toppling her.

One final Black Caviar comment: the efforts of trainer Peter Moody cannot be overstated. He has done a remarkable job and handled the pressure with aplomb and acumen.

*****

Having only six final acceptors for the $1million Golden Rose is puzzling.

Regardless of the apparent dominance of Smart Missile, currently an odds-on favourite, you would expect that there should be more aspiring three-year-olds prepared to have a go.

Personally, I would sooner turn vegetarian than take odds-on so my stake is going on Helmet.

Despite the fact that Smart Missile had the better of him in the Run To The Rose, this is an extra 1400 metres and you have to remember Helmet is a two-time winner at Group One level.

*****

In contrast to the numerically lean line-up in the Golden Rose, the Group Two Sebring Sprint has attracted a field of 14.

Pinwheel, fresh from his Warwick Stakes win three weeks ago and Ilovethiscity, the runner-up in that race, appear to dominate.

Ilovethiscity is sure to be fitter for the one run since a spell and should be primed to turn the tables on his previous nemesis.

If you fancy a roughie, Master of Design is not without a chance. From the David Payne stable this six-year-old entire resumed from a spell to win over 1100 metres and may have been a victim of the second-up syndrome when unplaced on August 13.

On the minimum weight this Saturday he just may be a sneaky chance.

*****

At Moonee Valley, Crystal Lily contests the McEwen Stakes with excellent credentials.

If it hadn't been for Black Caviar, Crystal Lily would have had an even better winning strike rate. Her only previous attempt at Moonee Valley was back in March when she chased home Black Caviar in the William Reid Stakes.

In the Dato Tan Chin Nam, Whobegotyou is a hot favourite but Alcopop is worth consideration. He was second-up from a spell when a strong winner over 1400 metres at Morphettville three weeks ago and he is a previous winner at the Valley.