Pale Mimosa's Melboure Cup chances improve

Star trainer Dermot Weld's horse Pale Mimosa took another step towards making the trip to Australia for the Melbourne Cup.

The mare took out the Lonsdale Cup in York, finishing ahead of fellow Melbourne Cup hopeful Estimate who is owned by the Queen.

This latest victory only strengthening the calls for her to run in Melbourne in November, however the Irishman has his doubts over the suitability of the track for Pale Mimosa at Australia's premiere race.

“Obviously Australia is on the agenda, but she never really wants very firm ground,” Weld said.

"We will sit down and discuss her plans but she is a wonderful staying mare."

Jockey Pat Smullen offered up similar concern regarding the fast track but maintained the Melbourne Cup was still a realistic goal.

“I’d love to ride her in Melbourne, don’t get me wrong, but she needs a bit of an ease in the ground. She’s definitely good enough to go, though,” Smullen said.

Having already won two Melbourne Cup's with Vintage Crop in 1993 and Media Puzzle in 2002, Weld is on track to become the most successful international trainer, being the only trainer from Britain or Ireland to walk away with the Australia's major prize.