Stoute eyes Melbourne Cup bid Snow Sky and Brown Panther will not meet in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot next month following their swashbuckling duel in the Yorkshire Cup on the Knavesmire. The former narrowly seized the day in a fine renewal of York's big staying prize, but trainer Sir Michael Stoute has mapped out an even more exotic adventure for the progressive four-year-old colt than a return to Berkshire this summer. Stoute is unsure Snow Sky has the requisite stamina to see out the Gold Cup trip of two and a half miles, and instead has the blessing of owner Khalid Abdullah to throw "a dart" at the Melbourne Cup at Flemington in November. Brown Panther, by contrast, will again attempt to hit the bull's eye at Ascot in a race in which he was placed fourth place last season before being promoted into third spot. His Gold Cup credentials were hardly eroded, either, as Tom Dascombe's seven-year-old, lumbered with a Group One-winning penalty, stayed on with trademark pluck once Snow Sky (5-2) was bustled into the lead a furlong from home. Only half a length separated the protagonists at the line, which was an outcome that satisfied both parties. Stoute said: "He had to dig deep. Ryan (Moore) said he was in front a bit soon and he just looked about a bit, but I'm thrilled. "I think a mile and six is his limit, and he's a very effective horse over a mile and a half. I think I'd like to finish up in Melbourne. I think it would be worth throwing a dart. We need to stop and think how we are going to programme him now." Michael Owen, Brown Panther's joint-owner and breeder, looked glum when his brave entire returned to the parade ring, but thoughts of Ascot quickly lightened his mood. He said: "We're disappointed, but not sickened, as he's run a great race. It's the Ascot Gold Cup next and then we'll plan the second half of the season."
