Colin Webster is a past master at training horses to get a trip and he rated Trix Of The Trade a classic horse in the making following a decisive victory at Ascot on Saturday.

Trix Of The Trade had never raced on a better surface than a Soft 6 and he appreciated a Good 4 when putting away a smart field first-up in the Amelia Park Plate (1200m).  In his first prep during the Belmont winter season, he had won on a Heavy 8 twice but was always going to be better on top of the ground.

“He was sensational running through the line today,” Webster said.  “He’s a quality horse and has come back much more mature.  He’s always been a big horse but is now mentally aware.  He’s a real racehorse who wants to get out there and win.

“He could be a WA Derby horse.”

The Group 2 WATC Derby (2400m) is set down for Saturday, April 9 at Ascot.  Webster hasn’t settled on a classic program, however, it will likely include a traditional Listed-level lead-up in the Challenge Stakes (1500m) on February 15, J C Roberts Stakes (1800m) on March 12 and Melvista Stakes (2200m) on March 26.

“It’s always good to see them come back like that after their first prep,” winning jockey Troy Turner said.  “He got through the heavy pretty well at Belmont and the Trade Fairs like the sting out of the ground.  But I thought he would be better suited on this surface.

“He does have a lot of brilliance about him and time will tell if he stretches out.”

Trix Of The Trade is a homebred for Bill & Patricia Robinson and is from the final crop of former Alwyn Park sire Trade Fair (GB).  He’s also the final foal of My Name’s Trixie (Passenger) who goes back to 1989 Bunbury Cup winner Pagonic (Pago Pago).

TRIX OF THE TRADE