Options open for Panther Tom Dascombe has yet to make any firm plans regarding Black Panther's next racecourse appearance following his narrow defeat in Saturday's Irish St Leger. The four-year-old, part-owned by footballer Michael Owen, looked to have a good chance of grabbing his first Group One prize in the Curragh Classic. But in a steadily-run affair, Brown Panther could not pick up as the pace quickened before staying on to be beaten just a neck into third. Dascombe is pleased to report his stable star has taken those exertions well and the trainer has plenty of options, with the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup his only British entry at this stage. "He's come out of the race fine. Unfortunately they went no gallop and that's what got him beat," said Dascombe. "It's frustrating as the race looked a good opportunity, but these things happen and we'll sit down and have a think about where we go next. "I would say he will run again this year, unless there is a reason not to. "He's entered in the Arc, but I would say that is unrealistic. He has options in America, Italy, France and England, so we have the options covered and we'll have a chat about what we're going to do."
