It’s Full Steam Ahead

The Trade Fair six-year-old, a $3,500 purchase at the 2009 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale, gained his eighth win from 25 starts and lifted his stake earnings to $221,845 with a strong win under 58.5kg in the United Overseas Australia Handicap (1600m) at Ascot on Saturday.

Traded Halo, also by Trade Fair, stormed home from the tail with race best 35.69sec. final 600m to finish 3/4-length second.

Full Steam Ahead’s Cup preparation has been well timed. He resumed with a two length third to Trading Day, another of the Trade Fair stock, in the Initial Plus Handicap (1400m) at Ascot on February 8 then ran a two length seventh to Mr Utopia in the Bon Anniversaire Pri Adilbert Handicap (1500m) on March 1. He has been successful from 1100m to 2000m.

“He’s extremely versatile and can race on the pace or get back in the Cup,” said trainer Nicole Pateman. “He should be at a peak and the race is in our backyard. This may give us an advantage over the Perth horses, who have to make the 4 1/2 hour trip.

“He tries his heart out every time. The money’s nice but it’s not everything. He means the world to us and we like to see him win for his own sake. He can do nothing wrong in our eyes.”

Full Steam Ahead’s win completed a successful meeting for Lynward Park Stud, the majority shareholder in Trade Fair. Lynward Park stand Balmont, the sire of Listed Natasha Stakes winner Balmont Girl, and stood Bletchley Park, the sire of Listed Perth Stakes winner Jezpark.

 Trade Fair again showed his versatility when Crystal Swing won the Betfair Handicap run over 2 1/2 miles at Uttoxeter in England on Saturday.