Barree Stud manager Miechelle Taylor is cautiously optimistic Miss Andretti will go full-term after the 2007 Australian Horse of the Year returned a 26 day PPT to Star Witness last week.

Miss Andretti (Ihtiram – Peggie’s Bid by Marooned) has been a difficult breeder since retiring to stud after a glittering Group 1 career in August 2008.  She foaled Mr Villeneuve (Exceed And Excel) first-up but has since slipped or missed to Redoute’s Choice, Undoubtedly and to Star Witness last year.

“She was served by Exceed And Excel within a couple of weeks after her retirement so we decided to put her back into work and see if that helped,” Taylor explained.  “Nothing too strenuous but the boys at Widden kept her ticking over and so far so good.

“Miss Andretti has always been a bit of a loner when she’s out in the paddock.  She loves the stable environment and being active again obviously agrees with her.”

Barree Stud owner Sean Buckley has returned Mr Villeneuve for his second campaign.  He is an unraced three year-old and has been gelded since his last prep with Anthony Freedman.

Miss Andretti’s dam Peggie’s Bid died in Western Australia last week.  Buckley also owns the champion mare’s younger half sister Peggie’s Choice and she is carrying a Star Witness foal, too.

Hoofnote:   Miss Andretti was originally raced by Pinjarra owner-trainer David Mueller and he won last Sunday’s Toodyay Cup with Ihtiram gelding Finnegan’s Gold.

– Karl Patterson

MISS ANDRETTI
King’s Stand Stakes winner at Royal Ascot