Brown Panther has taken another step towards a second tilt at the Melbourne Cup with a convincing victory in the Group Three Henry II Stakes at Sandown.

The next mission for the six-year-old will be the Gold Cup at the Royal Ascot meeting.

Owned by his breeder, former English striker Michael Owen, Brown Panther handled the soft ground to run out a 3-1/2 length winner at the end of the two miles (3200m).

His third career Group win came on the back of his victory in the Ormonde Stakes after he recovered from an injury sustained during last year's Melbourne Cup in which he finished eighth.

Ladbrokes now offer 6-1 behind 2-1 favourite Leading Light about the Gold Cup, which takes place on the same day as England's second World Cup match against Uruguay.

"All he can do is turn up and do his best.

"He goes on any ground, trip doesn't seem to be an issue and we are delighted with him," trainer Tom Dascombe said.

"Our horses rarely win first time out, he only had to beat a non-stayer (at Chester).

"So today was a test and realistically he had to come out on top if he was going to go for the Gold Cup.

"He's a half-brother to some three-mile hurdlers so the trip (in the Gold Cup) shouldn't be an issue."