Dream clash on cards for star siblings
A clash of the titans could be on the cards, with Vinery Stud boss Peter Orton aiming superstar colt All Too Hard at a possible autumn carnival showdown with half-sister Black Caviar in the All-Aged Stakes at Randwick.
After showcasing him in Sydney, Orton then wants to take All Too Hard to the world, setting the star for the Queen Anne Stakes (1600 metres) at Royal Ascot in June.
The All-Aged on April 27 is shaping as a battle of the superstars, with Black Caviar, More Joyous and Hay List all having the race on their agenda.
The news comes after All Too Hard's was given the all clear to continue racing after an improved blood profile.
"It has been a frustrating time for all of us and being patient with a horse like him is always very hard," Orton said.
"The easiest option for us would be to have retired him as he has nothing left to prove after his wins [in the Orr and Futurity Stakes] for us. But trainer John Hawkes is very happy to keep going and … we would like to see him race again."
All Too Hard has been restricted to light work since being withdrawn from the Australian Guineas on March 2.
Hawkes plans to give All Too Hard a barrier trial in Melbourne before sending him to Sydney.
When Hawke was asked about a showdown with star rivals, he replied: "We won't worry about any of them. If they turn up, that's good. If not, so be it."
As Victorian race club officials ponder a season without Black Caviar, Racing Victoria is moving to ensure that future champions can help propel racing back into national prominence.
Racing Victoria chief executive Bernard Saundry said he would be sorry to see Black Caviar's Victorian career end in the William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday night, but knows the unbeaten champion has left a legacy for administrators to embrace.
"If there is one thing we [racing administrators] have learnt from Black Caviar, it is that racing needs to move more quickly in promoting our champions. Horses like Makybe Diva, Octagonal … we've moved too slowly with past champions and the public came to them too late in their careers - we need to start telling their stories sooner."
Saundry said racing cannot rest on its laurels waiting for the next horse to carry the sport to fame and must prepare to actively spread the word about stars to those beyond the racing industry.
"What we've got to capitalise on is the horse itself; that is the key pillar that racing has to distinguish itself as a unique sport," he said.
"We need to try and build tribalism around horses because everyone loves to see the great horses win. There is an opportunity through the great three-year-olds we have at the moment like Super Cool and Pierro and All Too Hard."
Black Caviar's trainer Peter Moody said on Tuesday the mare was in the best physical condition of her career.
Story: SMH