FREAK racehorse Black Caviar is at the centre of a bidding war between Australia's major states to lure our greatest sprinter to race one last time at home this autumn before she takes on the world. The Australian Turf Club has joined the fight, providing hope that Sydney race fans will get to watch the mighty mare next month.

The club is considering increasing prize-money for the listed Hall Mark Stakes at Randwick on April 28 to lure Black Caviar before she goes to England. It is also prepared to move the race to Rosehill Gardens on either May 12 or May 26 if that better suits trainer Peter Moody's schedule for the world's best sprinter. A race at Rosehill would ensure the ATC could showcase the event and cater for the expected huge attendance. Randwick's capacity is limited by grandstand construction. The Hall Mark Stakes is worth $100,000 but the ATC is prepared to raise the stakes to $400,000 - if needed. ATC officials met with a delegation of Black Caviar's syndicate of owners last week.

"The ATC is having a crack at getting Black Caviar to Sydney," ATC chief executive Darren Pearce said. "We have been working quietly with key owners and put a major presentation to them setting out a range of options for Black Caviar to have her bon voyage race in Sydney."

Race clubs in Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane are also pitching to have Black Caviar race before going overseas. The Melbourne Racing Club is considering "creating" a race. It has even asked the Victorian government for financial assistance in an attempt to host her shot at a record 20th consecutive victory. The South Australian Liberal Opposition yesterday called on the state Labor Government to reveal what it is doing to help bring Black Caviar to Adelaide.

Moody has identified races in Adelaide on April 28 or May 12, or in Brisbane on the same day as other options. Melbourne Racing Club chairman Mike Symons said a suitable race could be scheduled at Caulfield for either April 28 or May 12. Moody revealed last week that Black Caviar would be given a short rest before having one or two more starts prior to going overseas where she is being set for the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at England's famous Royal Ascot carnival on June 23.

Black Caviar is unbeaten in 19 races and Moody has a desire for the great mare to win a world record 20th consecutive race at an Australian track.