THERE'S an element of luck in every racing story, whether it be good or bad.
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But for Andrew Ferguson and his family that operate Bell River Thoroughbreds at Wellington, and their business partners, they're currently experiencing an 'extreme' case of good luck.
As the breeders of Blue Diamond winner and Golden Slipper favourite Extreme Choice the Fergusons, Lloyd Walker and Bob Hogno have ridden a roller-coaster that could bear even more rewards in the coming months.
Bell River will cease its breeding operation in May when its band of select broodmares are sold.
Among them is Extremely, the dam of Extreme Choice who, by this afternoon, could be the winner of the two biggest juvenile events in the southern hemisphere.
"I can't do much about Extreme Choice's preparation for the Slipper so the biggest worry I have is that the foal that Extremely is carrying, which is his full sibling by Not A Single Doubt," Ferguson said.
"I suppose in a way it would be ironic if we could have this champion two-year-old pop up just before we give the game away but it's the right time for us.
"We got too big, too quick and we just needed to step back a bit. We've only been in the game eight years or so, so when you think about it to have this guy come along in such a short space of time is pretty phenomenal and we're proud of that."
Extreme Choice was bought for $100,000 at the 2015 Inglis Classic Sale Summer Book by Mick Price Racing.
He has proven to be a bargain buy for his connections, who have sold a share in him to Newgate Farm and China Horse Club in recent weeks.
"They're living the dream," Ferguson said.
"It's great. I was speaking with Luke Wilkinson, who is Mick's racing manager, and he said there's some first-time owners and some that have had a few slow ones so for them to get one like him is terrific.
"They might have paid between $5000-$10,000 for their five per cent in him and they've sold him for an amount that can put a deposit on a house or set them up."
If Extreme Choice can win it could set up a big hour for central west connections as Shiraz will line up in the $700,000 Group 1 Galaxy Stakes (1100m).
The six-year-old, owned by a group from Dubbo and Wellington, is currently a $13.00 chance through TAB.com.au and will be ridden by leading Hong Kong rider Brett Prebble.
"If Extreme Choice could win and then Shiraz came out as well, it would be a big afternoon for those from Dubbo and Wellington," Ferguson said.
"We all celebrate each other's success in a way so I'd love to see Shiraz win.
"They're a good bunch of people and he is a terrific horse."