Astute trainer Bernie Miller has never been known to rush his horses and the patient approach is paying off with Born Blue.

The 5yo gelding was kept in cotton-wool as a young horse but has raced a dozen times this year for wins at Bunbury, Northam and a last-stride victory in the TABTouch Hcp (2100m) at Ascot on Saturday.

Born Blue is a son of Alwyn Park sire Trade Fair (GB) who has Tradesman primed for a career-best performance in the G1 Kingston Town Stakes (1800m) next weekend.

“He’s taken time but it’s only a waste of money if you force the issue before they’re ready,” Miller explained.  “He’s got a bit of potential and the gear changes helped today.  We took off the visor and added a shadow-roll.

“Credit to Ryan Hill and Paddy Carberry.  They’ve both done a lot of work with this horse and he’s really maturing now.”

Born Blue (5g Trade Fair – Mawu by Scenic) is homebred for Miller and his wife Karen.  The Oakford couple also won two races with his older full-brother Carney at Ascot last year.  They are the only foals to race from Mawu who died August 2014.  The nearest black-type relation in the family is 2012 Canonbury Stakes winner Raceway (More Than Ready).

Trade Fair (Zafonic) is a Top 5 stallion on the Sunspeed sires’ table this season with 17 winners of $611,812.  He stands at Alwyn Park for a $5,500 (inc gst) service fee.

TRADE FAIR