James Fanshawe is set to decide next weekend whether to aim Irish St Leger winner Arctic Owl at the Melbourne Cup, he revealed today.
He is eyeing another tilt at Australia`s most famous race with the stayer, who landed his first Group One victory at the Curragh on Saturday.
And his gelding looks potentially well treated with 8st 13lb to carry at Flemington on November 7, as he escapes a penalty for his length-and-a-half defeat of Yavana`s Pace.
But the trainer, revelling in a memorable weekend which saw him land five winners in two days and gain his first Classic victory, will not be rushed into confirming a tilt at the race in which his Travelmate finished fifth last year.
'There is no decision about the Melbourne Cup and we don`t have to rush as he wouldn`t have to go into quarantine until October 2,' Fanshawe said.
'We will see how he is and will probably make a decision next weekend.
'Arctic Owl is not back yet but he seemed fine afterthe race and it was brilliant that he won.'
Arctic Owl`s victory was the most valuable of five enjoyed on Friday and Saturday by Fanshawe, who cannot explain why his horses have suddenly hit top form.
'If I knew what the formula was to get them to run like they have this weekend I would do it all the time!' the trainer said. 'It is a weekend you dream about.
'But Arctic Owl and Warningford were both fresh horses, which is important at this stage of the season.'
Warningford picked up a decent prize in the Listed Dubai Duty Free Cup at Newbury and could be stepped up in class at Ascot next Sunday.
'Warningford could go for the Diadem Stakes,' Fanshawe said.
'We will see how he is but provide he is OK he could run.' -PA
