Creativity mends her ways in Caulfield win
Creativity has repaid the patience of her connections with an impressive first-up win at Caulfield.
Trainers Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra went back to the drawing board after a ban was placed on her in January.
The extensive work done behind the scenes paid dividends with victory in Saturday’s L U Simons Builders Handicap.
Ridden by Damien Thornton, Creativity ($4.80) scored a two-length win over Divine Quality ($4.20) with Mamzelle Tess ($10) a long-head away third.
Ellerton said Creativity had three weeks in the paddock after being scratched at the barrier at Flemington on New Year’s day before going to respected horseman Julien Welsh.
“She used to have a blind fold and a stallion chain and went into the race today naked,” Ellerton said.
“It’s good to get a win with her for Midge and Barrie Griffiths who have been very patient.
“She’s had a chipped knee and also a problem at the barriers three times.”
Ellerton said plans may entail a trip to Adelaide next month for a stakes race after he expects a hike in the ratings following Saturday’s win.
“She’s probably still a benchmark sort of mare so we’ll just ponder that,” Ellerton said.
“She was stakes placed as a two-year-old and hopefully we’ll be able to find another stakes race for her.
“Hopefully she pulls up well and stays on her best manners.”