Yankee Rockstar produces another hit

Harness racing trainer Emma Stewart picked up another feature race trophy tonight at Cranbourne as Yankee Rockstar took out the Group 1 Decron Cranbourne Gold Cup.

With Gavin Lang in the sulky, five-year-old Yankee Rockstar (Rocknroll Hanover/Aston Villa) held off a fast-finishing Im Corzin Terror and a bold Messini in a thrilling finish to the 2555m race.

From the extreme draw on the back row Yankee Rockstar worked around three-wide mid-race to park outside Messini, who had to work to get around initial leader Im Corzin Terror.

Once they found their formation the big three (that trio clear favourites in betting) dictated the race through early splits of 31 and 32.2.

It was on down the back though, Gavin Lang aboard Yankee Rockstar declaring it ‘go time’ and setting out after Messini (Chris Alford), while Im Corzin Terror (Nathan Jack) awaited his chance behind them.

Im Corzin Terror paced roughly at one stage, which would prove costly as he stormed along the sprint lane making up many lengths in the stretch.

Messini led into the lane but Yankee Rockstar steadily wore him down, Im Corzin Terror poking through late to grab second, with Young Modern fourth and not far away.

Yankee Rockstar’s win was his 21st from 30 career starts. This season he has won a Stawell Pacing Cup in record time, two races at Melton, finished fourth in the Hunter Cup, third in the Shepparton Cup and now taken out the Cranbourne Cup.

After the race the owners of Yankee Rockstar mentioned the Kilmore Pacing Cup (March 19) as a potential next target race.

It was another great night for the Stewart stable, finishing with four winners: Goodtime Mike, Presidentialsecret, Yankee Rockstar and Our Little General. 

by Cody Winnell