Breeding & Racing Magazine

Trainer Confirms Yellowstone For Melb Cup

Meanwhile trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam confirmed Irish-bred 4YO entire Yellowstone (Rock Of Gibraltar-Love And Affection, by Exclusive Era) "remains on course for the Melbourne Cup following his brave effort at Newbury last week," reported racingpost.co.uk. Yellowstone "showed his class when finishing a game 3rd under top weight of 9st 10lb in the Newburgh Handicap" (originally the Ebor transferred from York) & now it is all systems go for Classic glory in the Gr1 Irish Field St Leger at The Curragh on September 13 followed by a crack at Australia's premier race in November". Chapple-Hyam declared after Yellowstone's latest effort (over 13.5 furlongs): "That was a fantastic run. We're on target to have a go at the Irish St Leger then down to Melbourne. Hopefully, he'll get 54kg for the Melbourne Cup which is about 8st 4lb-8st 5lb. He'll think he's running a little bit loose. I hope he remains on about 54kg & the handicapper doesn't look at the Ebor & put him up a couple of kilos. I'll keep my fingers crossed. If he got in with 8st 4lb or 5lb it will be worth going down there, because he'd have a good chance. He would be on the same Timeform rating of 119 as Purple Moon (Ebor winner & Melbourne Cup runner-up last year). Obviously Purple Moon showed a better turn of foot, while Yellowstone is an out-and-out stayer." Yellowstone currently boasts 3 wins & 5 placings from 18 starts for £189,135 (A$397,000) earnings.