WINNER of the Volvo International Stakes at the Curragh in July, Yucatan burst into Cup calculations with an arrogant win in the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.

Having already landed a runner-up cheque in the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes earlier in the day with Spirit Of Valor, Aidan O’Brien’s team sent bookmakers scurrying as Cup markets were quickly adjusted following Yucatan’s win over the 2,400 metres.

As a joint second favourite with James MacDonald in the saddle, Yucatan settled near the tail before being allowed to slide forwards from the 1,200 metre mark.

Asked for an effort with three furlongs left, the Galileo horse had the contest beyond reach rounding the bend, with MacDonald afforded the luxury of ‘switching off’ the final 50 metres, as a six-length margin shrank to one. Chasing him home were the Chris Waller-trained Fastnet Rock gelding Brimham Rocks and Charlie Fellows’ A Prince Of Arran, the latter possibly to have run again before the Melbourne Cup and presently 40th in the order of entry.

“He was the pick of them all week,” said TJ Comerford of Yucatan. “He gave a lot of ground going around the outside and he was the horse that was mapped out for this for a long time.

“Aidan always liked him and before he came here, he was working well.” Subsequently penalised 2.5 kgs for the Lexus Melbourne Cup taking him to 54.5kgs, managing owner Lloyd Williams announced that he will now go straight to the Cup, assured of a start at 23rd in ballot order.

“He doesn’t have to run again. Remember two years ago, Almandin won The Bart Cummings and went to the Melbourne Cup and that was a week before this race,” said Williams who indicated James MacDonald would take the Cup ride.

“Providing he is available and his manager wants to book him, I’m sure he’ll get the offer to ride the horse.”