Irish St Leger winner Brown Panther is set to run in the Canadian International at Woodbine.
The six-year-old finished eighth in the 2013 Melbourne Cup but connections chose not to return to Australia this year.
An option at Ascot on Champions Day 24 hours before the Canadian race on October 19 was considered, but part-owner Michael Owen, who also bred the son of Shirocco, explained that future stallion considerations swayed the choice of Canada.
“We have his stallion career to think about and if we can win a Group One race over a mile and a half (2400m), then it will only enhance his value at stud,” Owen told Racing UK.
“The British Champions Long Distance Cup looks an excellent, high-class race, and, while we don’t want to shirk challenges, we’ve spoken to quite a few experts, who tell us Woodbine’s wide, open, fair, galloping track will suit Brown Panther and it could be a slightly easier opportunity.
“He’s six years old and is improving the older he gets so we are looking at keeping him in training next year.
“Being able to campaign him on the world stage, such as Melbourne last year, Canada this month, and maybe Dubai next year, is very exciting and who knows whether I’ll have another horse good enough to do that in the future.”
