Home Of The Brave books Breeders’ Cup ticket with Park Stakes third

This year’s G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar, USA, beckons for Home Of The Brave following a rallying third in the G2 Park Stakes over seven furlongs at Doncaster, UK, on Saturday, September 16.
 
The Hugo Palmer-trained five-year-old broke smartly under James Doyle and immediately led the eight-strong field before being joined by Spirit Of Valor at the halfway point.
 
Home Of The Brave was narrowly headed as the pace quickened passing the two-furlong pole and was relegated to a close fifth with half a furlong to race.
 
He battled back to take third on the line and go down by a length and three-quarters to Aclaim, who won in 1m 25.59s on ground described as good to soft, good in places.
 
Hugo Palmer commented: “Home Of The Brave ran a very tough race. We felt beforehand that the ground wasn’t ideal but was suitable enough for him to run OK.
 
“We decided to take the plunge today as it gives us seven weeks to prepare for the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar (November 4), and this run should get him just right for that race.
 
“I think he proved more than ever today, with the way he plugged on near the line without really quickening, that a mile in America is going to be up his street.
 
“He has lost little in defeat and all roads will now lead to Del Mar.”