Pether’s Moon has put himself in the frame for the Melbourne Cup with victory in the Group One Coronation Cup at Epsom.
Ridden by Pat Dobbs, the Richard Hannon-trained five-year-old upset favoured French pair Dolniya and Flintshire to win the 2400m-race which was a tactical affair with just four runners.
“I must admit I didn’t see that coming. His last run was very moderate,” Hannon said.
“John Manley, his owner, always tries him pretty hard. This was his entry and well done to him.
“John has really enjoyed this horse, he might go to Melbourne (Melbourne Cup), I don’t know.
“Pat has given him a super ride.”
Pether’s Moon was slated to come to Australia last spring after his win in the Glorious Stakes at Goodwood but stayed home.
Also on Saturday (Sunday AEST), German horse Singing began his Melbourne Cup preparation with victory at Iffezheim.
It was his first start since he finished second a year ago to subsequent Cup winner Protectionist.
Like Protectionist, he is now owned by Australian Bloodstock and is in the care of Cup winning trainer Andreas Wohler.
