Brown Panther On Track For Melbourne
- Wednesday, 25 September 2013 23:45
Brown Panther is on track for the Melbourne Cup after recovering from a high temperature to run fifth in a Listed race at Goodwood won By Grandeur.
With part-owner, former English soccer great Michael Owen present, Brown Panther attempted to burn off his rivals but was conceding weight across the board and was swamped by rivals entering the home straight in the 2000m race.
Brown Panther missed the Irish St Leger due to a temperature spike and Owen said he and trainer Tom Dascombe wanted to give him a race before he entered quarantine.
"We didn't get to go to our intended target but we wanted a tilt before the Melbourne Cup," Owen said.
"As much as you always want to win he's run a good race, giving weight all around over an inadequate trip, so you've got to be pleased.
"He needs a lot further than that to be shown to his best, but he's run a decent race and hopefully will come out sound and we can go to Melbourne. If he runs, I'll be there."
The Jeremy Noseda-trained Grandeur will return to the United States with the Breeders' Cup among his options.
Grandeur won the Twilight Derby at Santa Anita and Hollywood Turf Cup on his last visit.
"He has a few options out there and I will have to speak to the owner about it first," Noseda said.
"He loves Santa Anita, but there are horses like The Fugue going there so we'll have to see. It will depend if we decide to be brave."
