In a sport notorious for irrelevant comparisons between champions of different eras, an exception has emerged that helps answer the one slight knock on the unbeaten sprinter Black Caviar.
As undeniably magnificent as Black Caviar's 17-win streak may be, the lack of opposition in many of her races has prompted questions about the merit of some of her victories.
It is an issue that has been put into perspective by Racing Victoria chief handicapper Greg Carpenter, who rates Black Caviar the horse of the century.
In 13 of her wins, Black Caviar has beaten fields of less than 10 runners, with five or fewer opponents lining up against her in five of them.
But Carpenter rejects any suggestion the quantity and quality of the horses she has beaten detracts from her record.
Carpenter says the enduring legend of Phar Lap puts any such notion to rest.
''It was just the same for Phar Lap, and no one regards him as anything but an outstanding champion,'' Carpenter said.
In 31 of his 36 Australian wins, Phar Lap faced six or fewer opponents.
Fifteen of those wins came in fields of four or less and in five of the victories he had only two rivals.
As a result, Carpenter is adamant Black Caviar is entitled to be considered on her Newmarket Handicap victory of last autumn, clearly her most outstanding success, and her record in general.
''The legend of Black Caviar cannot be diminished by the number or the quality of the opposition,'' Carpenter said.
Carpenter is cautious about making any other comparison between Black Caviar and the champions of the past - with one exception.
''The one comparison that can be made is the impact she has had on the community,'' he said.
''And the impact she has had seems to be similar to that of horses like Phar Lap.''
Black Caviar will race in the CF Orr Stakes (1400 metres) at Caulfield on Saturday.
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