Brown Panther's owner, Michael Owen, is congratulated after picking up gate six at the Melbourne Cup barrier draw. Source: News Limited
MICHAEL Owen scored 40 goals during a distinguished international career for England, but his greatest sporting achievement could come on Tuesday with import Brown Panther after engineering a perfect outcome.
Owen, who played at the highest level for 17 seasons, drew gate four at the official barrier draw, triggering outbursts of elation from the Tom Dascombe stable.
While not quite on the same level as driving home a World Cup winner, Owen was elated after delivering a perfect draw for the horse he owns.
"The trainer asked me to pick somewhere between four and 14 and I got six," Owen said.
"It's brilliant. We couldn't ask for more and now it's up to the jockey.
"It's a huge thrill to be here to have a horse in such an important race and to have a chance of winning."
Owen said it was more nerve-racking than when he was asked to participate in a Champions League draw.
Brown Panther was one of several of internationals to fare well at the draw.
Dunaden drew gate one and, according to Mikel Delzangles stable, the 2011 winner is in career-best form.
The Aga Khan's Verema (three) and Dandino (four) drew ideally, but Red Cadeaux (23), Ruscello (24), Mount Athos (22) and Voleuse De Coeurs (21) fare poorly.
Michael Owen's Brown Panther was one of several of internationals to fare well at the draw. Picture: Jay Town Source: News Limited
Red Cadeaux's horrid fortune at the barrier continued, having drawn 15 and 17 in the past two editions,
Asked how Red Cadeaux's chances had been affected, Dunlop said: "It's a little less now.
"It's not ideal, we've got plenty of weight.
"Tempo is the most important thing. I hope we don't have the same situation as last year when they trotted and then sprinted home.
"I think the race is really interesting now with all of Lloyd Williams' horses drawn where they are.
"He can control the race now."
Four of Williams' runners drew inside 10 - Sea Moon (7), Fawkner (8), Seville (9) and Green Moon (10) - while Masked Marvel (2) and Mourayan (19) have contrasting draws.
Luca Cumani admitted Mount Athos could have been better treated, but believes Craig Williams can offset the disadvantage.
Lexus Stakes winner Ruscello was cast into the outside gate only hours after rocketing into the field.
Godolphin is happy with Royal Empire's gate of 11, while Mike Moroney insists St Leger winner Voleuse De Coeurs can still excel despite drawing wide.
"She's the ideal horse," he said.
02 Nov, 2013
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Source: http://www.news.com.au/sport/superracing/michael-owen-plucks-gate-four-for-his-brown-panther-in-melbourne-cup/story-fndprusm-1226752014308?from=public_rss
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