Black Caviar wins the T.J. Smith Stakes at Royal Randwick in Sydney in 2011. Picture: Sam Ruttyn Source: The Daily Telegraph
BLACK Caviar will contest the T.J. Smith Stakes at Royal Randwick next month - but it is likely to be the last time Sydney race fans get to see the world's best sprinter in action.
Owner Neil Werrett ended speculation about Black Caviar's next race start by confirming the champion mare will run in the Group 1 $1 million sprint at the Derby Day meeting on April 13.
But Werrett conceded the great mare's racing future beyond the T.J. Smith Stakes was undecided.
Black Caviar's syndicate of owners and trainer Peter Moody had a telephone hook-up yesterday where it was unanimously agreed to aim the undefeated superstar at Royal Randwick.
"We are definitely going to the T.J. Smith," Werrett told The Daily Telegraph last night.
"But Peter (Moody) said he wanted to wait until after the T.J. before making any more decisions on where she races next. It all depends on how she pulls up after each start."
Werrett revealed there are a number of options for Black Caviar after she races at Royal Randwick on April 13 - either the All Aged Stakes (April 27), Adelaide (Sangster Stakes, The Goodwood), Brisbane (BTC Cup), Royal Ascot (King's Stand Stakes, Diamond Jubilee Stakes) or retirement.
"There is some thought to going back to Royal Ascot, that is definitely on the table," Werrett continued.
"England has been discussed but there is no decision yet.
"We are relying on Peter and we would not take her there unless Peter is happy to take her there."
Black Caviar beats Hay List to win the T.J. Smith Stakes at Royal Randwick in Sydney in 2011. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
If Black Caviar does return to England, there is an even a chance she could then be mated to southern hemisphere time with another unbeaten champion, Frankel.
"It is one of the things we have thought about," Werrett said.
"But it will come into play when we (owners and trainer) have our next discussion, which will be after she runs in the T.J. Smith Stakes."
Werrett said it was unlikely Black Caviar would race twice at Royal Randwick during the Sydney autumn carnival, virtually ruling out any chance of the mare starting in the All Aged Stakes, regardless of the financial inducements the Australian Turf Club may offer.
ATC and Racing NSW are fine-tuning details of a lucrative bonus payment for winners of certain Group 1 races if they then back up and win the All Aged Stakes over 1400m at Royal Randwick.
Even a corporate bookmaking firm has promised a $1 million prizemoney boost for the All Aged Stakes if Black Caviar starts alongside other high profile gallopers like More Joyous.
"It is not about the money," Werrett revealed.
"From our point of view, if she raced in the All Aged Stakes, she could not go to Brisbane or Royal Ascot. She probably would not race again.
"But all these decisions won't be made until after she races in the T.J. Smith Stakes.
"Black Caviar scored her 24th win from as many starts - and her 14th at Group 1 level - when she scored a very easy win in the William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley last Friday night.
Werrett said Moody has had the mare thoroughly checked by her veterinarian and chiropractor since that race and she has been given a clean bill of health.
"Peter rang this morning to say the mare has never been better," Werrett enthused.
"It is all systems go to the T.J. Smith.
"If we run in the T.J. Smith then all our options are still open."
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