Humble Trader lands prize on debut

Humble Trader stamped himself as a galloper to follow with a gritty debut victory at Sandown on Wednesday, rewarding the eye of trainer Greg Eurell, who secured him at the 2024 Melbourne Yearling Sales.

The son of Hanseatic cost just $60,000 and looks a bargain after landing the Sportsbet Blackbook Plate (1200m) under Jamie Mott.

Starting a $4.60 betting site chance, Humble Trader overcame some inexperience early to run down the leaders, defeating Wetumpka ($3.70) by three-quarters of a length, with Getta Good Feeling ($4) a close third.

“He’s a lovely striding horse and lovely balanced,” Eurell said. “When we bought him, he walked out of the box, and he struck you what an athlete he was. The way he presented and walked, he was a horse you would have liked to have bought no matter what, and fortunately we did.”

Eurell said he was pleased the gelding could transfer his trackwork into race day. “Today was a bit of a test to see what he could do, and for what he showed us at home, you hope they bring that to the races. On that today, hopefully he will find himself in a good race.”

Patience has been required with Humble Trader, who repeatedly went shin sore when on the brink of debuting. “He’s been a typical sort of youngster going through the process. When we thought, we were nearly going to get him there, he would go shin sore, so out he would go again for a break,” Eurell said. “Overall he’s been as sound as a bell. It’s just been immaturity with him.”

Eurell said the Sandown performance showed both his rawness and his talent. “It’s always tough when you come to town, but he worked hard for it and he got a bit lost coming down the hill, but he picked himself up and hit the line well. Once he works it out a little bit more, I think he will develop into a lovely horse.”