The chances of seeing Black Caviar on the racetrack again appear to have diminished after connections decided the mare would bypass the spring carnival in Melbourne.
Trainer Peter Moody said the unbeaten champion would remain in the spelling paddock until at least September when a decision about her future would be made.
Black Caviar has been recuperating from muscle tears she sustained while winning her 22nd race from as many starts in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes in June.
Last week she completed a month's quarantine after her memorable Royal Ascot triumph and Moody said Black Caviar would not run again this year.
It means she will miss a shot at the global sprint challenge bonus of $1 million if she was to win the Hong Kong Sprint in December.
"She's fine in herself and she's recovered from her injuries, but it would be asking a lot of her to have only a couple of weeks off and then be ready for spring," Moody told News Limited.
"She's just needed time to get over her trip to England.
"She's had a really busy time in the past year or so and just needs a break to get over it."
The trainer conceded retirement and a trip to the breeding barn was an option for the rising six-year-old.
"If we retire her, she's still got plenty of time to go to stud," he said.
"Otherwise, we'll give her a decent spell and bring her back for the autumn."
If Black Caviar bows out of racing, she would leave with global champion status assured and more than $6.8 million in prize money.
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