Proceedwithcaution threw caution to the wind with a front-running victory in the LR York Stakes (1600m) at Ascot on Easter Saturday.

Responding to aggressive ride from Ben Kennedy, the Trade Fair gelding broke clear at the furlong to defeat Tower Of Lonhro (Lonhro) and Carry The Nation (Blackfriars).  “It’s a pleasure to come to races with a horse like him,” rookie trainer Geoff Van De Molen said.  “He’s my first stakes winner and isn’t completely push-button.  He’s had issues but I was confident he was spot-on today.”

Proceedwithcaution was purchased by Van De Molen and Nikita Richards for just $750 as a foal and he was originally prepared by Darren McAuliffe.  They knocked back an offer from Hong Kong after wins in the 2014 Dayana Plate and LR Belmont Classic.

Van De Molen took over his training this year and has the option of sending Proceedwithcaution for a spell or starting in the $70,000 Narrogin Cup (1900m) on Sunday, April 19.

Bred by Kentville proprietor Rick Hart, he is the only named foal from Kinchica (King Of Kings).  The nearest black-type in the pedigree is 2000 Queensland Tatts Mile winner She’s Academic (Royal Academy).

Trade Fair (GB) is fourth on the WA sires’ premiership with 32 winners of 42 races and over $1.32 million in progeny earnings.  Perth Racing chairman Ted van Heemst stood him for $6,050 (inc gst) at Alwyn Park last year.

van Heemst homebred I’m Feeling Lucky had won the Westspeed Stayers’ Bonus (2200m) earlier on the holiday program. The Bletchley Park mare has won three in town this year for a career prizemoney of $231,120 including Westspeed bonuses of $92,500.