Yellow Sam goes back-to-back

Yellow Sam displayed her fighting spirit once again at Caulfield on Saturday, winning the MRC Chairman’s Club Handicap (1440m) in a brave finish to make it two wins from two starts this prep for trainer Lindsey Smith.

The mare was coming off a victory in the Golden Topaz (1200m) at Swan Hill and stepped up impressively at metro level. Sent out at $5, she responded strongly in the closing stages under Fred Kersley to defeat Lim’s Saltoro by a half-neck, with The Open and Rheinberg narrowly behind in a tight finish.

Smith praised her courage after the race, noting it’s a quality that has defined her since day one.

“It’s easy to train fast horses,” Smith said.

“I’ve got a few slow ones at the moment. But she’s been a courageous horse from day dot.

“She’s a courageous horse and has a great will to win. As I’ve said many times, will maybe out does ability sometimes.”

Kersley, who added another metro win to his name, echoed Smith’s view.

“She’s a pleasure to deal with,” Kersley said.

“She’s probably one of the gutsiest horses I’ve ever had the pleasure to deal with. Time and time again she’s come back as a filly, a mare and she’s held that form, so I take my hat off to Lindsey.”

The day also had its share of sadness. In Race 8, Rolls suffered a serious injury and was euthanised on course. Jockey Harry Grace, who was unseated during the incident, was taken for scans on a possible wrist injury but remained conscious and mobile. Grace had previously piloted Rolls to victory in the 2023 Warrnambool Cup.

The race was won by the Ciaron Maher-trained Sayedaty Sadaty.

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