Yeats out to join the Greats - Extract from Thoroughbred Daily News 21 June 2007

Yeats (ascot.co.uk photo)Now in its bicentennial year, the G1 Ascot Gold Cup is the Royal meeting’s most treasured jewel, and Yeats (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells), brother to resident Sire Solskjaer, will attempt to stake his claim as one of the race’s most esteemed characters. Highly impressive when recording a four-length success 12 months ago, Susan Magnier and Diane Nagle’s imposing bay is now firmly established as Europe’s head of state amongst the stayers. Last year, he came into this marathon on his seasonal bow, but the six-year-old has two facile wins under his belt this time including in May 30 Listed Saval Beg S. at Leopardstown. Trainer Aidan O’Brien believes there is better to come. “We’ve been very happy with his two runs this year and, for some reason, he has gone really classy and pacey in his work,” O’Brien commented. “Maybe that is maturity or maybe it’s because he’s had a clear run this time. He’s a bigger, stronger and heavier horse than ever before, so obviously this will be the next test for him.