High Hopes For Trade Fair Filly

Cool Trade set the pace to gain a first-up win in the Skyy Vodka Handicap (1200m) at Belmont Park on Saturday. (October 12)

“She’s potentially the best horse I’ve had in the stable for a fair while,” said the conservative Mathews.

Cool Trade set the pace to beat talented Kheleva by a short head with Black Queen third. At her only other start, Cool Trade pulled up shin sore after finishing a short head second to Ignition in the Westspeed Nursery Handicap (1000m) on May 4.

“We were confident of a strong performance,” said Mathews. “She galloped with Barnsley Lad on Tuesday and worked as good as him or had his measure.

“That’s not going to be the way to ride her in future but there was not much option today other than sitting wide. It was nice to get her over the line. Now let’s hope she can realise her full promise.

“The Trade Fair’s need to be managed properly but once you get the basics right they are good. They eat well, work well and try bloody hard in races.”

Cool Trade is from Around Jindabyne, by Akhenaton, and is a full sister to promising Stock Trader. Mathews also has her two-year-old full sister.