In November, a legendary race is set to unfold – Australia’s unbeaten champion Black Caviar faces off against Singapore superstar Rocket Man down the iconic Flemington straight course.
The chance of a showdown between these two champions grows increasingly likely, promising to determine who truly deserves the title of the world’s best sprinter.
Hints from Rocket Man’s trainer, Patrick Shaw, indicate his eagerness to bring the star horse down under following a commanding victory in the KrisFlyer International Sprint last weekend.
Shaw’s confidence in Rocket Man is unwavering; he has provocatively proclaimed that his horse will end Black Caviar’s undefeated streak.
“He’s the best horse in the world. I’m not just saying this because it’s Rocket Man, I genuinely mean it,” Shaw stated.
“He’ll beat her. I’ve always believed he was the better horse,” he added.
Officials from the Victoria Racing Club were present in Singapore to witness Rocket Man’s remarkable victory and approached Shaw immediately afterward to entice him to Melbourne for the Group I $1 million Patinack Farm Classic (1200m) scheduled for November 5 at Flemington.
As the winner of an international segment of the Global Sprint Challenge, Rocket Man is in line for a $600,000 bonus should he claim victory at the Patinack Farm Classic. Shaw expressed his desire to travel to Melbourne promptly to evaluate the Werribee quarantine and training facilities where Rocket Man would be housed if he competes during the spring carnival.
Before any arrangements for Australia are confirmed, Rocket Man is meant to compete in the Golden Jubilee Stakes at the Royal Ascot meeting on June 18.
Black Caviar’s trainer, Peter Moody, expects to assess Rocket Man’s capabilities after confirming that his leading three-year-old Hinchinbrook will participate at Royal Ascot.
Hinchinbrook secured a place for the trip to England with an effortless barrier trial win at Cranbourne on Monday.
Moody mentioned that Hinchinbrook is scheduled to fly out on June 1, along with Danny O’Brien trained Star Witness.
“I haven’t discussed it with the owners, but he performed well this morning, and I see no reason why he wouldn’t go,” Moody remarked.
Hinchinbrook targets both the Golden Jubilee Stakes and the July Cup in England.
Rocket Man v Black Caviar
Rocket Man
Viscount-Macrosa
Trainer: Patrick Shaw
Jockey: Felix Coetzee
20 starts: 16 wins, four seconds
* Prizemoney: $4,286,589
Black Caviar
Bel Esprit-Helsinge
Trainer: Peter Moody
Jockey: Luke Nolen
13 starts: 13 wins
Prizemoney: $3,391,750
Buford Balony says: Black Caviar in a canter.