Trix Of The Trade’s last-start defeat has not rocked the confidence of veteran trainer, Colin Webster ahead of the gelding’s next big test at Ascot on Saturday.
Trix Of The Trade’s dream run ended in last fortnight’s J.C.Roberts Stakes (1800m) when the WA Derby hopeful suffered the first loss of his campaign.
Following four straight wins including three Listed features in the Breeders Classic (1400m), Challenge Stakes (1500m) and Lex Piper Stakes (1600m), the bubble burst.
The Trade Fair three-year-old hit the front inside the final 100m of the J.C.Roberts Stakes, but he couldn’t stave off the fast-finishing Rockanori and ran a short-neck second.
Trix Of The Trade and Rokanori are set to lock horns again in this weekend’s Melvista Stakes, the final lead-up up race before the WA Derby (2400m) on April 9.
Colin Webster says he’s confident Trix Of The Trade can run out a strong 2200m in the Melvista Stakes on Saturday and stamp his claims for the WA Derby a fortnight later.
Webster cautions supporters not to drop off Trix Of The Trade because of his defeat in the J.C.Roberts Stakes.
“I was quite happy with his run and thought it was a good effort,” Webster told The Races WA.
“You know, sooner or later he was going to get knocked off and it was better there then the next two, I reckon.
“You can’t expect them to win every single start and we accepted that.
“He gets an opportunity to atone on Saturday.
“I really think he can get over ground and he’s trained on really well.
“We think he will get the trip.”
Tabtouch has Trix Of The Trade the $4 favourite for the WA Derby.
Rokanori and Alaskan Gold are on the next line of betting at $4.50.
Meanwhile Webster hopes Baby Paris can make a late bid for Saturday week’s Karrakatta Plate (1200m) when she debuts at Ascot on Wednesday.
The Playing God filly has impressed in her three trials and steps out for her first appearance in the Amelia Park Lodge Plate (1100m).
“She’s a nice filly and is doing everything right,” Webster said.
“We hope she goes alright and the plan is the Karrakatta if she can get a start.”