Buoyed by Rocket Man’s success in the Golden Shaheen, trainer Patrick Shaw has forecast a clash with Black Caviar – but only if the price is right.
The pride of Singapore racing, Rocket Man gained sweet revenge for his defeat in Dubai a year ago when he took out the $2 million Golden Shaheen (1200m) at Meydan on Saturday.
Rocket Man’s first international Group One victory came after four previous second placings.
“This means everything to me,” Shaw told the Singapore Turf Club’s website.
“I have won the International race back in Singapore but this is something else.
“Winning on the grand stage, where all the best meet, there is nothing better.”
Trainer Peter Moody opted not to travel overseas with Black Caviar this season and the world’s highest ranked racehorse won her fourth Group One in the William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday.
Shaw has all but ruled out Royal Ascot in June.
“Royal Ascot is run up the straight and he has never run on a straight track before, but at some stage we will have to take on a straight track if we are to take on Black Caviar,” he said.
“That is a possibility at some stage if the money is right.
“I have watched her race and at some stage we will have to meet somewhere to find which is the best horse.
“Bring on the money.”
Ridden by Felix Coetzee in the Golden Shaheen, Rocket Man scored by 2-1/4 lengths over Euroears with Sunny King a neck away third.
Coetzee said it was a privilege to ride a horse such as Rocket Man.
“He gives you everything and it took me well into the back stretch to pull him up,” Coetzee said.
“I’m so lucky. I don’t know why they chose me to ride the horse but I’m so glad they did.”
Black Caviar is scheduled to travel out of her home state of Victoria for the first time to contest the $1 million TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick on April 9.
The mare has worked well in the right handed direction and will be a major attraction on the first day of the Randwick carnival which will also feature New Zealand’s Jimmy Choux, winner of Saturday’s Rosehill Guineas and favourite for the AJC Australian Derby.
AAP TURF
