Melbourne Cup Entry Wins Group One in Germany

Monday, 12 August 2002 00:00

Veteran European galloper Yavana's Pace, one of the international entries for Melbourne Cup later this year, scored a Group One win in Germany over the weekend.

Trained by Mark Johnston, the spritely ten-year-old proved too strong in the Credit Suisse Private Banking Pokal (G1) at Cologne yesterday.

At the end of the 2400 metre event the son of Accordion held a half length advantage over the classy three-year-old filly Salve Regina. Capable performer Millenary was third, a further four lengths back.

Although he is a ten-year-old, Yavana's Pace has only started on 36 occasions. His record includes ten wins and 12 minor placings.

Yavana's Pace is among 32 overseas entries for the $3,675,000 Tooheys New Melbourne Cup (3200m) to be run at Flemington on Tuesday November 5.

Johnston is set to aim the gelding at the Irish St Leger and from there the leading trainer will have a good idea of where he stands for a possible tilt at Australia's most famous race. The Irish St Leger will be run at the Curragh on September 14.

Incredibly yesterday's Group One win was Yavana's Pace first at Group One level, but Johnston feels it won't be his last. "He'll certainly come back as an eleven-year-old," he told Racing Post.