Group 2 winning mare Jeu de Cartes (NZ) is set for a visit to Frankel if her sale is confirmed this week.

The Stravinsky mare was vetted at the stable of trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman last week in preparation for a potential move to the northern hemisphere.  Her owner-breeder Mrs Billie Morton was approached by bloodstock agent Peter Ford on behalf of Australian interests last week.

“Peter asked if she was on the market so I thought about it and decided to sell,” Morton explained.  “I thought it would be the right thing to do as I wasn’t sure I would breed from her when she retired.

“She is a lovely mare who still has plenty of racing in her but I have so many horses at present and I’m not getting any younger.”

Morton bred the mare from her Group 1 winner Prized Gem (Prized) who was bred by her late husband Barry.

Prized Gem’s first foal was the G1 AJC Derby winner Nom du Jeu (Montjeu) who now stands at Fairdale Stud where Morton retains a 50% share in his ownership.

“I was approached by a group here in Australia who were looking for a well performed mare at Group 2 level or better,” Ford said.  “Jeu de Cartes is a lovely mare who fitted the bill perfectly.

“She may have a date with Frankel coming up and, with her still being in fine shape for a racing career, there are a number of options for her new owners once they get the mare to her new base.”

Rated by Timeform as the greatest racehorse in history, Frankel was retired to stud in 2012 by Prince Khalid Abdullah of Juddmonte Farm after an unbeaten in 14 start career.  He served his first book of 133 mares in 2013 at a service fee of 125,000 pounds.