Written by Paul Vettise
Tradewind (Trust In A Gust) completed a notable trans-Tasman double when he made a successful hit and run visit from South Australia to Ballarat.
The lightly-tried 3-year-old was making his fourth race day appearance for trainer Ryan Balfour and finished well nearest to the fence to land Saturday’s Magnum Equine VOBIS Gold Eureka Stockade.
The colt is a son of Bikini Dancer (NZ) (Bernardini {USA}) and she is out stakes winner Post Thyme (NZ) (Postponed {USA}), a sister to the dam of Brix (NZ) (Sweynesse) who won the Listed Fasttrack Insurance S. at Pukekohe on Saturday.
Tradewind was unwanted in the market, but defied his lack of support by proving too good under Jye McNeil for Sirleo Miss (Pride Of Dubai) and Super Yulong (Excelebration {Ire}). Hot favourite Shelby Cobra (Toronado {Ire}) was a flop and beat only one runner home.
“We had so much respect for Shelby Cobra, and he obviously wasn’t at his best, but we’ve always thought a lot of this bloke. I knew he’d be competitive and the trip away would be the making of him,” trainer Ryan Balfour said.
“I knew he’d be competitive and the trip away would be the making of him.” – Ryan Balfour
“You could see at the top of the straight that he was bolting and just needed a run and it was a perfectly patient ride by Jye and the horse dug deep to win.
“He’ll come and assess things, but most likely have a rest and we’ve always had the autumn in mind for him.”
Bred by Jen Fitzpatrick, Tradewind was an $18,000 purchase out of Rushton Park’s draft at the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale.
“We bought him on type and had some key people in the background helping me like Brad Thomas from X Factor Pedigrees and Pinhook Bloodstock. Credit to the breeder Jen, who stayed in the horse,” Balfour said. “It’s been great and you don’t need to spend big money.”
Trade Wind as a yearling
Balfour believed Tradewind will continue to develop and is looking forward to next year with him.
“He’s got a world of improvement in him and is still quite leggy. He’s still a colt and his attitude is very good.”
Eye-catching performance
In the opening event on the card, Riding The Wave (Malibu Moon {USA}) opened his Australian account in dazzling fashion when he roared from well back in the field to win over 1100 metres in the Ritchie’s IGA H.
He was successful in four of his 13 starts in New Zealand before his sale with former trainer Nigel Tiley and his wife Lee remaining in the ownership.
“He was well-sourced by Brad Spicer and he’s a beautiful horse. He’s got such a big stride and he is going places,” trainer Lindsey Smith said.
Riding The Wave was bought out of Manx Park’s draft at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale by former Group 1-winning rider Tiley for $50,000. He is a son of Rolling Sea (USA) (Sefapiano {USA}).
She was a talented mare who won 12 races in North America, including two at Group 2 level, and has produced four winners. She is from the family of the dual Group 1 winner and sire Observatory (USA).
Ridden by apprentice Will Price, Riding The Wave lengthened stride impressively in the closing 200 metres to account for Mistake (Turffontein) and a performance that has Smith considering a black type January target for the 5-year-old.
“He’ll reach the top grade, no doubt. I wouldn’t mind seeing him in the G3 Standish H. if he can win a couple more,” he said.
