Tradesman by name but not by performance.
Co-trainer Todd Harvey is excited by what lies ahead for his Trade Fair gelding after a career best win in the Listed Belmont Guineas (1600m) on Saturday.
Aided by a gun ride from Troy Turner, Tradesman was not going to repeat his last-start heroics when he battled on for sixth behind North Ridge after racing wide throughout.
That performance may have influenced punters to dismiss Tradesman’s chances in the Belmont Guineas as he was sent out one of the outsiders at $15.
But Turner, who won his second Belmont Guineas, took full advantage from his favourable barrier draw to have Tradesman box-seating in third place.
The experienced hoop surged Tradesman to the lead with 200m remaining before running to the line 1 1/4 lengths clear of Charge Ahead.
It was Tradesman’s best win in five starts and gave Harvey and his father, Rob, their biggest success since forming a training partnership.
“I am absolutely thrilled by what he has been able to achieve in his first preparation,” said Todd Harvey.
“He got a gun run and it was a terrific ride.
“The horse really appreciates the mile and will probably go further.
“He is going to be a very nice horse and there is going to be bigger fish to fry further down the track.
“I think he has a very bright future and for what he has done in his first preparation has been quite phenomenal.”
Jockey Chris Parnham’s homecoming was marred when equal favourite, Top Show, ran a disappointing 14th.
The Stratum filly appeared to be travelling comfortably in running but faded badly to finish ahead of just two runners.
Trainer Neville Parnham said he was mystified by Top Show’s performance.
Coming Back , who just peaked on his run, finished third, just ahead of the fast-finishing, Keysbrook.
Settlers Creek and Liberty’s Gem, who worked across from their wide barriers to take up the running, faded to fifth and sixth respectively.
Liberty’s Gem, who was attempting to give trainer, Simon Miller, a treble on the programme, didn’t see out the mile.
Julio Santarelli