Protectionist to target European Group One

Protectionist will try to win his first European Group One race before a decision is made whether he returns to Australia for the Melbourne Cup.

After Protectionist won the 2014 Melbourne Cup, he stayed in Australia but failed to thrive in the conditions.

His owners, Australian Bloodstock, sent him back to German trainer Andreas Wohler late last year and he has won two races in the past few weeks.

Wohler now has his eyes on the Grosser Preis von Berlin on August 14, the Thoroughbred Daily News said.

"I am happy to see him progress and that he is doing well," Wohler said.

"He won a conditions race four weeks ago, then the Group Two and I think that his next run if everything goes right will be in a Group One in Berlin in the middle of August.

"We will take it race by race and do what is in the best interests of the horse.

"When he came back to Europe we had that agreement with Australian Bloodstock."