Il Cavallo (Choisir) is being prepared for a return to racing after getting just three mares in foal at Chequers Stud last year.

Cambridge brothers Mark Fraser-Campin and Chris Campin purchased the three-quarter brother to champion sprinter Starspangledbanner but he encountered the same fertility problems as his famous relation.

Owner Tony Santic sold the five year-old shortly after he faded from view in the G2 Bobby Lewis Stakes (1200m) at Flemington in September.  He had been retained by the Makybe breeder after failing to make a $250,000 reserve at the 2012 Inglis Easter yearling sale.

“He’s basically infertile,” Fraser-Campin said.  “Obviously, we got him for all the right reasons and it’s just been very unfortunate.  We had 80 mares booked and would like to thank all those breeders for their support and patience during what was a tough and disappointing time for all concerned.

Il Cavallo won 5 races and was stakes-placed in the Listed Carlyon Stakes in Melbourne and Listed Pegasus Stakes at Riccarton before his ill-fated stint at stud.

“We decided to try him again as a racehorse so we’ve gelded him,” Fraser-Campin said.  “As a stallion it was hard to get weight off him, he was a big, heavy horse and now he’s come down from 650kg to 595kg.

“He’s done six weeks on the treadmill and has been back in full work for a couple of weeks.  We could possibly look at Brisbane for the winter carnival.

“It isn’t going to be easy, but we like a challenge.  As one door closes, another opens.”

IL CAVALLO