Cool Trade keeps running hot
Bombproof filly Cool Trade confirmed her status as a rising star of WA racing with a fourth successive victory at Belmont Park today.
Punters narrowed the Westspeed Sprint (1200m) down to two runners, backing Cool Trade ($2.30-$2.10) and the unbeaten Bjorn To Love ($2.80-$2.70).
But Cool Trade made it a one-act affair to continue her red-hot form, despite lumping the 60kg topweight.
Jockey Patrick Carbery settled the daughter of Trade Fair in third position, on the back of leader Saint Bro ($7.50).
Cool Trade peeled off from behind Saint Bro’s heels in the straight and surged to the lead, beating the pacesetter by 1 ¼ lengths.
Sir Dandy ($41) ran third and Bjorn To Love failed to run on from last when finishing seventh.
Cool Trade’s brilliant victory left trainer Alan Mathews speechless and also gave him a double after The
Other Harv won the Crown Perth Handicap (2000m).
“We backed our judgement with the 60kg,” Mathews said.
“We thought it was a bit tough but it was only 1kg more than her last win.
“She’ll bow out of three-year-old company now and she might have one more run before going to the paddock.
“At the moment it’s just about what races are available for her, but eventually we’ll have to sit down and look at something later in the year.
“What can you say about her – she’s just exciting.”
Cool Trade, who cost just $15,000 as a yearling, boosted her record to an imposing five wins from eight starts.
The Other Harv beat Operational by ¾ of a length, with the well-fancied $3 favourite Peck running third.
Meanwhile, Cuanzo backed up his impressive debut win to lead all the way in the Westspeed Nursery (1400m).
A 2 ¼ length Ascot winner on debut, Cuanzo justified his short quote of $1.90 when beating Top Show ($7) by 1 ½ lengths.
Trainer Eric Wake said the Oratorio two-year-old has a bright future ahead.
“He is very promising,” Wake said.
“William (Pike, jockey) wasn’t happy with the pace in the race so I told him if you have to lead, so be it.
“He won quite well. He’s done it sitting back and from up front.”
Despite running out the 1400m solidly, Wake believes Cuanzo might be stretched if stepped up to 1600m.
