BLACK CAVIAR

Ascot return under consideration for Black Caviar
It is a long-shot, a genuine 66-1 chance, or as Nick Smith, Ascot's head of international relations, put it: "Getting Black Caviar back to Royal Ascot to run in the King's Stand this year is still odds against, but not silly odds against."

Let us examine what happened on Saturday night in Melbourne at the celebratory party for unbeaten Black Caviar's 23rd win. Smith sat down with the owners and discussed the possibility of a return trip to Britain for the champion sprinter. It goes without saying that the subjects of incentives and publicity deals were knocked about.

Smith then left the owners at midnight, and the following morning reported: "I'm certainly hopeful. They said they would give it consideration, and I'm happy they haven't ruled it out. They loved the Royal meeting, it was a life-changing experience for them."

At the weekend, Peter Moody, the great mare's trainer, revealed that he thought he made two mistakes with Black Caviar last year - running her twice in Adelaide, and targeting the Diamond Jubilee instead of the King's Stand Stakes.

The Ascot official, who travelled to Melbourne via New Orleans, Miami, Tokyo and Hokaido, and also squeezed in a hop to Sydney, has followed up all leads in his quest for Royal Ascot runners.

Smith has received positive reaction from the new owners of Sydney-based All Too Hard, Black Caviar's half-brother, who is to be aimed at the Queen Anne Stakes, and also the New Zealand connections of Cox Plate winner Ocean Park, an intended entry in the Queen Anne and Prince Of Wales's Stakes. He is also after Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom for the Prince Of Wales's Stakes

The great mare has retired. Most likely the greatest sprinter of all time.

So what happens next. She is ripe for a son of Danehill, but the problem is she is a lump of a mare, and his two best sons, Redoutes and Fastnet are both giants and produce large foals.

It will be interesting to see where she goes.

My choice would be either Lonhro or More Than Ready.

Exceed And Excell is also a good option.

Choisir
... although they might produce a rhino.

Monsieur Bond. Good value, and might put a bit of speed into her........

JohnnyM you are a very naughty boy

I am quite sure your comments will be taken in good spirits though and indeed perhaps they might tempt an appearance from The Howard Hughes of Bloodstock & Breeding!

Who is this Howard Hughes you speak of PM?

Howard Hughes signing in here' And I'm glad that Johnny Mustang agrees with me........wouldn't Monsieur Bond be an ideal stallion choice for such a mare.One things certain if that mating went ahead it would leave the global bloodstock industry reeling.......

Good to hear from you Prima.

Having seen what you couple of fixers have taken on this time it's a wonder you'll have time to come on here ever again!

Back in the more mundane world of mucking out and impregnation is your stud season going okay?

Johnny M. You wheedled him out, as you surely knew you must. . .

Pot M,yes the seasons going well thanks,hope yours is too.I did think you'd take a look at what we're up-to.
Had a nice maiden this spring who went straight in-foal on one cover a 4y'old on the 5th of March,she then ovulated within 12hr's,so fingers crossed she should have a colt.That's a miracle when you consider the horrible wet weather we've all had.
Got some nice foals the numbers are a little more even now,I have a lovely Galileo filly and a super Exceed and Excel one too.As for the yearlings I have a real good sort a colt by none other than Mon'Bond he is really nice,he is over in the UK and will not come over here but will head to the sales from his UK base.

Glad it's going well Prima. I suppose that as I managed to let 33% of this years production expire I was always going to be fighting an uphill battle!
A maiden mare has just returned from your land safely in foal though and my best mare is also in foal but I will be a bit happier when we rescan her later this week.
Also 3 more to scan this week for the 1st time, so it has the potential to be a definitive few days!
I remain pretty happy with my matings this year which is not something I can usually say, so a few more in foal would be nice.

Exceed And Excel chosen for her first mating.

Plenty of Northern Dancer in that foal, all corners have a ND male tail I would have chosen something with a good dose of Mr Prospector.