Victorian curtain call for retiring God squad
The careers of millionaire brothers Playing God and God Has Spoken are poised to end in Victoria.
The two have earned more than $2.7 million in stakes from their collective 16 wins and 21 placings, but as six-year-old and seven-year-old entires respectively, stud careers beckon.
Playing God and God Has Spoken were alongside Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente and Cox Plate winner Shamus Award as entries for the $1 million Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 8.
Owner Colin Loxton has been building his broodmare band in recent years, knowing retirement was looming for both.
"Their retirement has yet to be finalised with Colin, but that is the idea," trainer Neville Parnham said.
"We were looking at retirement after the Ascot carnival, but they were going so well.
"Especially God Has Spoken after his run in the Perth Cup (second), I felt he was in good touch and he is sound.
"His main goal is the Mornington Cup.
"While the track may not be the best for him with a short straight, he can sustain a long run on the pace.
"These horses have taken us to the highest level, running in a Cox Plate, a Turnbull and an Australian Cup.
"They are going to be hard to replace."
Playing God ran third to Shamrocker in the Australian Guineas and third to Shocking in the Australian Cup at his maiden Melbourne trip in 2011.
The son of Blackfriars ran in nine straight Group 1s in Melbourne and Perth in the spring and autumn of 2011-12.
