Co-trainer Todd Harvey is confident that Tradesman will lay a typically great account for himself when he makes his Group 1 debut in the Railway Stakes (1600m) at Perth’s Ascot Racecourse on Saturday.
Tradesman has been charged with overcoming the likes of Disposition (pictured) in Saturday’s Railway Stakes in Perth. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
Tradesman has only made thirteen competitive appearances at the races leading into the Railway Stakes 2016, but has more than stamped himself as one of Perth’s most consistent racehorses currently in work; posting seven wins and a further three minors.
Harvey concedes that the Trade Fair gelding undoubtedly faces his biggest test to date in the talent-rich Railway Stakes field, but believes the horse proven ability and continually-building form this time in suggests that he is a legitimate contender.
“He’s great, we’re really thrilled to be put into the field and we feel he’s deserving of his place there after his very good run at weight-for-age last start,” Harvey told RSN.
“He was a very big, gangly looking horses as a yearling and he was always going to take some time. I’m glad I took the punt and bought him, because I loved him as a yearling and it seems to be paying off.
“He’s lightly-raced. He didn’t get to the track as a late three-year-old, but he’s got a very good winning strike rate and hasn’t ever really run a bad race.
“His win at Ascot first-up was excellent. He wasn’t fully wound up at that point, he ran very good time that day and he did beat Scales Of Justice on that day.
“I think with the run over 1400m, the Lee Steere, it’s really brought him to his top and I think from the perfect barrier, he’s as good a chance as anything.”
Harvey believes that prominent owner Bob Peters’ five-card hand in the Railway Stakes field looks particularly strong, as well as an impressive contingent of interstate raiders.
“It is a very, very strong field this year, probably one of the better Railways we’ve seen in some time,” he said.
“Bob Peters obviously has a very good string of horses lining up and of his, Heart Starter and Perfect Reflection look the horses to beat form their draws.”
Tradesman resumed this time for a smart win in the Muscular Dystrophy WA BM72 (1400m) on October 22nd, before running a credible third in the Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) last time out on November 5th.
Tradesman is currently available at 2016 Railway Stakes odds of $10 with online bookie Ladbrokes Australia.
