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By Ray Hickson

It seems in-form mare Il Mio Destino isn’t ready for motherhood.

The seven-year-old chases a hat-trick in the $80,000 Schweppes Evening Star (1100m) at Canterbury on Friday night and trainer Richard Litt revealed attempts to get her in foal have so far failed.

That’s the reason for the gap between her Gold Coast win on August 26 and her last start Canterbury success on October 27.

“We sent her to stud a couple of times and Vancouver gave her a run for her money and it seems to have switched her on,’’ Litt said.

“She's really difficult, you wouldn't want to be married to her. She's difficult to ride, to keep the weight off and she's very temperamental.

Il Mio Destino's all the way win at Canterbury – October 27

“She didn't get in foal and she's come back in very good form. I guess she's not ready to have babies yet.’’

It’s hard to argue that Il Mio Destino returned in outstanding order, her all the way win over the 1250m a month ago illustrates that.

Punters Intel data showed the mare worked in the early stages to establish her spot in front and actually ran progressively slower sectionals, the last 200m in 12.87 on a soft track, due to that work but was still able to win.

Litt said she’s since spent some time in the paddock, as she usually does after each run, and coming back to 1100m on Friday night is a small concern but he expects the race to be truly run.

“I think she will run really well, she's in form and confidence is a huge thing. She never runs a bad race and if things go her way she'll win,’’ he said.

“She can take a sit, she's versatile and doesn't get on the bridle. She has great tactical speed so she'll go forward.

“Sweet Serendipity is very quick out of the gates but can be very quick to stop so hopefully we take a sit off him.’’

Trainer Richard Litt (Pic: bradleyphotos.com.au)

Litt said he’ll continue to pick and choose races for Il Mio Destino, who has won nine of her 56 starts, until another attempt at motherhood happens next spring.

The Warwick Farm trainer is predicting an improved showing from Ashkannd back in distance in the ANZ Bloodstock News Handicap (1900m).

Like Il Mio Destino, Ashkannd is a seven-year-old but his strike rate is less appealing and was beaten six lengths by Doukhan over 2700m last start.

Litt said he didn't appreciate the slowly run race last time having come off a pleasing effort to run third behind the same horse at Randwick.

“His attitude was disappointing. He's definitely got the ability but he pulled the whole way like the maniac that he is,’’ he said.

“I think we'll throw the reins at him and if he wants to lead he'll lead. He'll run a good race.’’

All the fields, form and replays for the night meeting at Canterbury Park on Friday