Talented sprinter Cool Trade ended a frustrating campaign when she claimed a maiden feature win in the $100,000 Scenic Blast Stakes (1100m) at Ascot yesterday.
The Trade Fair mare broke through for the first time this preparation after minor placing’s in the Jungle Mist Classic (1200m), the Thunderbolt (1000m) and Crawford Stakes (1000m).
Trained by Alan Mathews and ridden by Pat Carbery, Cool Trade beat favourite Shining Knight by one length. She rated 1.03.63, eclipsing the 1.03.72 race record set by Werd in 2012.
Soldier’s Lass, the rank outsider of the nine horse field, finished 1 ¼ lengths back in third place after running on from sixth position at the turn.
“At her past couple of starts she has to do all the leg work,” said Mathews.
“All she needed was something to give her a little bit of cover and a breather which she got yesterday.
“I’m really looking forward to this horse in 12 months time.”
Carbery had Cool Trade camped by Benito and Travinator before driving her to the front at the 100 metre mark.
Shining Knight circled the field from near last but the on pace bias made it difficult for the $2.70 public elect.
In a difficult for the back markers all eight winners on the programme either led or raced from third position.
Cool Trade enacted revenge and turned the tables after running third to Shining Knight in the Crawford Stakes last month.
She has now won seven races from 14 starts with five minor placing’s and boosted stake earnings to $344.400.
Expected improvement from Hussy By Choice failed to materialise with the Simon Miller-trained mare finishing last.
Just ahead of her were Cavallo Pazzo and Trading Day who failed to fire after a short freshen up.