The racing future of tough stayer Pentathlon is in doubt after the seven-year-old pulled up a bit scratchy following his sixth-placing in the Egmont Cup (2100m) earlier this month.

Taranaki trainer John Wheeler hasn’t given up hope of getting Pentathlon into next month’s Gr.1 A$7 million Melbourne Cup, but he has come up with a left-field alternative if the talented stayer misses a start in the 3200m Flemington feature.

Kiwi stayer Sir Charles Road remains in contention for a Melbourne Cup start despite a setback costing him his chance to contest next week’s Caulfield Cup.

Gobstopper wins 2017 Christchurch Casino Nz Cup Group 3 NZ$250,000 at Riccarton Park (NZ), 3200m.

John Wheeler reckons he already has a photo of Pentathlon winning the New Zealand Cup on his wall at home.