As Black Caviar headed down the Sydney to Melbourne highway on Sunday, a decision on her next race was yet to be made.
The unbeaten champion’s 25th visit to the track on Saturday was one for the ages. It set a new standard for Group One wins with her 15th in the TJ Smith Stakes now putting her above the great Kingston Town.
The significance of the race was not lost on trainer Peter Moody who learned his craft under the late TJ Smith at Randwick.
The win prompted more talk of a return to Royal Ascot or the possibility she would race on in Australia for another season.
But for trainer Moody, it’s all about getting her home safely before any decisions are made.
“She’s on the truck to Melbourne. She had a shot of anti-inflammatory to take any aches and pains away,” Moody told Sydney’s Sky Sports Radio.
“It will take two or three days to get a true assessment how she’s come through it.
“If she pulled up good my recommendation would be to maybe look at another season.
“I’d love to see her race on.
“She’s only had 25 starts. Most six-year-olds have had 45 to 50.”
Moody said he would wait until later this week to discuss options with the mare’s owners after having only a brief chat after the race.
“The only thing I did say was that if she went to Ascot this year, it’s game over,” he said.
“I couldn’t see her coming back from there a second time knowing what happened last time.
“It would be retirement.”
The travel to Royal Ascot for the Diamond Jubilee in June took its toll on the mare and it was several months before she was back to her old self.
The trainer said he could see no reason why she had to go overseas again anyway, he would rather see her in Australia.
“My dream would be for her to finish her career in Australia,” he said.
“We deserve that. Why not the TJ next year. Why not a fourth Lightning.
“But I’m mindful of protecting what we’ve got. We don’t want to go one run too far.”
In the meantime, further options this preparation include a return to Adelaide for the Goodwood or a trip north to Brisbane for the BTC Cup.
