The 2011 Winterbottom Stakes in Perth on November 19 has lost its drawcard contender with Victoria’s premier horseman Peter Moody announcing Black Caviar will not race again this year.
Black Caviar goes to the paddock undefeated at the end of 2011
The superlative mare took her career record to an incredible 16 wins from 16 starts on the weekend racing away to take out the $1 million Group 1 Patinack Farm Classic (1200m) at Flemington for the second season in a row.
Originally plans were to take the now $4.38 million earner over to Western Australia to vie for a 17th turf triumph in the $500,000 Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot.
Moody has shelved the remainder of Black Caviar’s 2011 campaign, however, with the champion to enjoy a rest in the paddock before being brought back for the autumn.
Black Caviar was not injured but Moody said she had not come through the Patinack, run on a very firm Flemington track on a hot day, well enough to warrant pressing onto Perth.
“After talking to the owners, we weighted up the pros and cons and we’ve decided she won’t be going to Perth,” Moody said.
“She’s just come to the end of it.
“It was a hot day, firm track and so we decided she can have a break.”
Jockey Luke Nolen, who atoned for having missed the mare’s maiden elite level success in the Patinack Farm Classic 12 months ago by riding her to victory in this year’s edition of the Emirates Stakes Day sprint, was quick to inform Moody Black Caviar was a little below par on the day.
“Luke just said ‘it was great, but she wasn’t at her top’,” Moody said.
“I just think she pulled up feeling the ground a bit and that’s not a criticism of the track.
“I don’t want people hanging the trackman.”
Moody admitted that is was a shame the people and punters of Perth would not get the chance to see Black Caviar up close and personal, and that it would have been a good chance for her to get some ‘in-the-air’ experience.
“I would have loved her to have that experience (flying) and it’s also disappointing for the people of Perth,” Moody said.
“She’s just going to have a break now.”
Tentative plans for next year with the undefeated queen are for her to race during the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival with Moody naming the $400,000 Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 11 and the $500,000 Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) on February 25 as possible aims for his stable ace.
Following this, Black Caviar will likely be showcased in England during the prestigious Royal Ascot Carnival during our winter.
Punters should see Black Caviar next racing in the $200,000 Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on January 27.
There are still 35 horses vying for a spot in the 2011 Winterbottom Stakes field, the shortest-priced of which is now the Jim Taylor-trained Barakey, undefeated in their six starts to date, at a quote of $2.20 at Luxbet.
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