Black Caviar's autumn over

Unbeaten three-year-old filly Black Caviar has broken down and will be out of action until at least the Melbourne spring.

The Peter Moody trained galloper, who was being hailed as Australia's up-and-coming sprinting star, has a ligament injury to the inside of her off fore leg.

A veterinary inspection at Caulfield on Thursday morning revealed the injury, which ruled Black Caviar out of Saturday's Group One William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley, in which she was an odds-on favourite.

Black Caviar has won her first five starts in impressive fashion and kicked off her autumn campaign with a win in the Australia Stakes (1200m) at the Valley three weeks ago.

Moody has hailed her as one of the best sprinters he has trained, but will have to head into the autumn sprint features with his back-up brigade, including Wanted, who will run second favourite in Saturday's race.

Nicconi, who won the Group One Lightning Stakes (1000m) at his last start, assumed favouritism for the William Reid at $3.20, while Wanted is $3.30. The feature race is now left with only eight starters.