Trevor Andrews is set to play a major hand in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) after Trademark upset his more fancied stable mate The River in the Perth Racing #Ascothappens Plate (1100m) at Ascot yesterday.
The River was sent out an even money favourite after posting an ultra impressive win on debut last month, but Trademark proved too tough to run down after finding the front and leading soon after the start for jockey, Paul Harvey.
The River sat outside of the pacesetter and piled on the pressure but Trademark absorbed the onslaught and with a 2kg pull in the weights he was able to kick clear and score his first win by a half-length.
The Williams pair, who will renew acquaintances again in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic in a fortnight at Pinjarra, finished well clear of Diamond Princess who battled away gamely for third with Dainty Tess a distant fourth.
Andrews said very little separated his charges but he had a slight leaning to Trademark who had a 2kg weight advantage.
“I led to Trademark with the weight swing but I thought he was one run short to be super confident,” Andrews said.
“It will be an interesting race in the Magic Millions with set weights.”
Trademark kicked off a stunning afternoon for revitalised jockey, Paul Harvey, who grabbed riding honours with a treble.
Harvey, who missed the majority of the Ascot summer carnival through illness, steered home Cougar Express and Danish Delight.
The champion hoop said a new health regime including yoga and a vegetarian diet had given him a major confidence boost.
Andrews looks set to shape the Magic Millions programme at Pinjarra on February 7 with Lucky Street the nominal favourite in the Magic Millions 3YO Trophy (1200m) after winning last week’s Miss Andretti Stakes (1100m).
The Ascot horseman is also looking to become the most successful trainer in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) and pass Lou Luciani after three previous wins with Lucky Street, Ravinia and Time To Climb.