The Futurity Stakes is back on Black Caviar’s program but her overseas campaign hinges on the use of the barrier blanket.
Trainer Peter Moody said he would talk to Dubai and Royal Ascot officials but if the blanket could not be used and an attendant was not allowed in the stall with her, Black Caviar would not be there.
“I’ll be mentioning to both Dubai and Ascot that the barrier blanket will need to be used or they won’t see her and we will need an attendant in with her,” Moody told Sky Channel’s Racing Retro.
“She has an attendant in with her here. I don’t think that’s something they do in England (but) it’s certainly something I’ll be seeking.
“We won’t be going if it’s not allowed overseas.”
Barrier blankets are used to calm horses when they enter the gates and are left behind when the stalls open.
Black Caviar has had one throughout her career and Moody said it was an essential part of taking her to the races.
“She was so bullish early days,” he said.
“She used to try and predict the start and came out on her nose a few times.”
While those issues are still to be ironed out, Moody has backtracked on his post-Lightning Stakes sentiments that she would not back up into the Futurity Stakes.
Just seven days after winning the Orr Stakes (1400m), the mare was at Flemington on Saturday for the Lightning (1000m) where she was called on to use all her reserves when Hay List made it a contest.
In the aftermath, Moody cast doubt on another quick back-up but said he would monitor her this week and she could attempt her 20th straight win at Caulfield on Saturday.
“I might have been a little rash in my line of thought straight after the race,” he said.
“As she matured she’s developed these unbelievable recuperative powers and she’s come through the race extremely well.
“I’ll probably follow a similar process to last week she’ll be entered if I’m happy with her in the morning.
“She’s the soundest she’s ever been in her career.”
Moody said Royal Ascot had always been the target with next month’s Golden Shaheen in Dubai a late addition to the team’s thoughts.
“Everything is open,” he said.
AAP TURF
