Michael Owen's Brown Panther Aimed at St Leger

After running a relatively disappointing race despite going off as the betting choice in the 2011 German Derby, Brown Panther has been officially pointed towards the St Leger. Conditioned and owned by journeyman thoroughbred trainer and part-time footballer Michael Owen, Brown Panther looks set to test his credentials in the key annual race for stayers.

The well-bred son of Shirocco burst onto the scene when capturing the King George V Handicap at this year's Royal Ascot meeting. The year's final English classic is always hotly contested by those who think their three-year-olds are developing fast and can stay the distance. A possible tip at the Arc De Triomphe might follow if Brown Panther pulls off the victory.

Michael Owen effectively quashed rumors that they would be running Brown Panther in the Great Voltigeur Stakes. There is little chance that he will have a prep race ahead of the St Leger thanks to his lengthy season – a fact that Owen also backed up.

A number of highly-credentialed colts are set to contest the Leger this year with Irish invader Treasure Beach gaining momentum for a run at the Doncaster showpiece. Beaten by a head in the Epsom Derby, he went on to take the Irish Derby at the Curragh just a few weeks later. He looks to enjoy the distance and many appear convinced that he has the ability to be a major factor, though you reckon it will depend on the going.

King Edward VII Stakes winner Nathaniel is another Galileo colt and he goes into this one as the betting favourite with odds of around 11/4 ante post. He scored in that Group 2 encounter by a massive five lengths with William Buick up and looks to have plenty of distance left in him. He was beaten by half a length in his Newmarket maiden by none other than Frankel.

He would certainly be a feather in the cap for Galileo who has absolutely dominated the English classic season. Brown Panther trades at 6/1 for St Leger glory.