TRACTION Control scorched around Sandown Park last Thursday, leading all the way to win his Schweppes Melbourne Cup prelude race by six lengths.
On a night not conducive to fast times, Traction Control, a $3.30 favourite, flew from box six to lead a hot field by several lengths. He was never headed, stretching his lead down the back before cruising to a convincing victory in 29.94, almost three lengths faster than the next best time.
Running on gamely for second was Queensland raider Quidame, litter-sister to staying sensation Texas Gold, while Cooga Star finished more than five lengths away in third.
Prepared by Robert Crawford in Junction Village, Traction Control has now made it two wins from two on his comeback from injury, returning to the form that won the Group 3 DDC Launching Pad at Sandown Park in March.
Earlier in the night, Suppression claimed his second prelude with the highly fancied Fenceline finishing in fifth place.
In the other preludes, Sand Wedge and See You Later saluted for Pearcedale-based trainers Ron Partington and Jason Thompson.
The winner of each prelude qualifies for the heats of the 50th running of the $214,500 Group 1 Melbourne Cup, to be held on 17 and 24 November.
