Free Trade sails home to win Pinjarra Classic

Boyanup’s Michael Lane was the toast of Pinjarra Park on Sunday afternoon, after his solid five-year-old Free Trade soared home to claim the $118,000 Pinjarra Classic (1300m).

It was a sensational sprint home by the gelding, who has placed in all of his last 14 starts.

Post-race, Lane was delighted with how his runner prevailed and was in no doubt as to where his next assignment would be.

“He’s a marvel, isn’t he? He’s a great horse,” Lane said.

“That’s where we’ll head next, the Bunbury Stakes, that’s definitely the aim. “I’ve got a high opinion of him. He’s just a great horse to train, I’m very privileged.”

Ridden by Chris Parnham, the gelding burst out brilliantly early, with the reliable hoop having to ensure he did not get too carried away.

With 800m to travel, My Greek Boy led by a solid two lengths, although the Lane stable had nothing to despair about, as Free Trade’s effort was unwavering.

Lane’s faith in his runner came to the fore in the home straight as Parnham managed to tackle Mr Greek Boy and look on in awe as the five-year-old sailed home by three and a half lengths.

There was further South West success, with Capel-based gelding Kitgum getting up in the Peter Miguel Memorial Handicap (1200m) for Paul Roberts, while progressive mare Scenic Journey finished third for the Giadresco stable in the Bowden Select Handicap (1600m).