Could there be a possibility of a dream showdown featuring the world’s top two racehorses, Black Caviar and Frankel?
The only occasion for the two unbeaten champions to potentially meet is during England’s renowned Royal Ascot meeting in June.
If a race of the century does take place, it might be the Group I Queen Anne Stakes, contested over a mile (1600m) on the first day of Royal Ascot, although the likelihood of both participating in the event is quite low.
Peter Moody, Black Caviar’s trainer, is eager to extend the remarkable mare’s distance during the autumn and is targeting events such as the Orr Stakes and Futurity Stakes over the Caulfield 1400m.
Moody has consistently believed that Black Caviar is capable of racing over at least 1600m, and should she easily triumph in the Orr and Futurity, it would open up further possibilities for her international endeavors.
It is speculated that Black Caviar’s primary overseas goal is the Golden Jubilee Stakes over 1200m, although Moody remains undecided for now.
“Everything is focused on Royal Ascot,” Moody stated.
“We will evaluate our performance in the Orr and the Futurity before determining the optimal course of action.”
Having received a 132 rating, Black Caviar ranks second behind Frankel (136) on the 2011 World Thoroughbred Rankings released earlier this week in London.
Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager for Frankel’s owner Khalid Abdullah, addressed the prospect of a clash between Frankel and Black Caviar during the WTR ceremony, also considering it a long shot.
Grimthorpe mentioned that Frankel is anticipated to make his return at Newbury in May, but it is “very unlikely” that he will face off against Black Caviar.
“The horse is well and is currently trotting at Warren Place; the initial plan still centers around the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury for him,” Grimthorpe remarked.
“I find it very improbable that he and Black Caviar will meet, as I would be surprised if she steps up to a mile, while Frankel is set to primarily race over 10 furlongs (2000m).”
Some English bookmakers are already offering odds on whether both champions will remain unbeaten this year.
Black Caviar is priced at 4/6 for a potential defeat, while Frankel stands at 2/1; a price of 6/1 is available for both to maintain their flawless race records.
With a 132 rating, Black Caviar now stands as the highest-rated mare since the WTR’s inception in 1977.
Buford Balony says: Black Caviar would dominate Frankel. The only basis for his higher rating is his European nationality and being male.
