Pether’s Moon has put himself in line for a trip to Australia with victory in the Glorious Stakes at Goodwood.
Another Melbourne spring contender, Cafe Society, finished third ahead of his transfer to the Gai Waterhouse stable.
A handicap winner at Goodwood 12 months ago, the Richard Hannon-trained Pether’s Moon was the 11-10 favourite in the 2400m Group Three contest.
Under Richard Hughes, he won by a length and quarter from Encke, who ran an encouraging race at his first start since he won the 2012 St Leger.
“I put the gun to his head as we were taking on horses who might need a run,” Hughes said.
“He’s got Australia written all over him.”
Hannon said Pether’s Moon had further improvement.
“Without sounding arrogant, he’s capable of a little bit more than that,” he said.
“We do like him, it was nothing more than he was due, he deserved it.
“I don’t think this track really suits him. He’s a nice, big horse and there are a lot of options for him abroad – Caulfield Cups and Japan Cups, things like that.”
Cafe Society’s English trainer David Simcock said he had been in constant contact with Waterhouse.
“That was great as now he’s qualified for some races in Australia,” he said.
“What those will be are up to Gai Waterhouse – she’s Alex Ferguson and I’m one of the youth team.”
“I have been talking to Gai all along. I imagine he will have one more run close to when he flies in September.”
