Crystal Dreamer is one of those horses most trainers would love to have in their stable.
The Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra-trained sprinter is shooting for his 10th win from 22 starts when he runs in the Catanach’s Jewellers Handicap (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
He will be attempting his fifth win of the calender year and seventh since December 11, 2016 which began a sequence of three straight wins.
Crystal Dreamer is coming off a last-start win in the Listed Doveton Stakes (1000m) at Sandown on November 18.
But with each win comes the added burden of extra weight while at the same time placing the gelding in his right race becomes tougher.
“He’s a horse you love having around the stable,” Zahra said.
“He’s won nine races for us now but he’s getting up in the ratings which is making it a little harder to place him right.
“But he goes well at Caulfield and it looks a suitable race.”
While Crystal Dreamer is a winner over 1000m and 1200m he is yet to win in four tries at Saturday’s distance.
Zahra doesn’t see that as a concern and is more worried about the outside barrier in the field of 12.
Following the 3kg claim for in-form apprentice Stephanie Thornton, who has only had one ride for the stable previously for a win on Nasdex at Pakenham last week, Zahra thinks the gelding has a winnable weight.
“The barrier is not ideal but he’s got the speed to put himself in the race,” Zahra said.
“He’s a free-running sort of horse and they all seem to run well for her.
“We used her brother Damien a little during his apprenticeship and had a bit of success with him.”
Zahra said a trip to the Werribee jump-outs on Monday for a leisurely roll around had the desired effect ahead of Saturday.
Crystal Dreamer’s performance will determine the next step in his preparation with Zahra saying the Listed Christmas Stakes (1200m) on Boxing Day or the Group Three Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on New Year’s Day were options.
