A brief rest and a drop in class has spurred Secret Liaison to her second victory in a week after a year-long losing streak.
The mare followed up her success at Moonee Valley last week with a strong win in the East Malvern Community Bank Handicap (1800m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Secret Liaison winning the East Malvern Community Bank Handicap at Caulfield - photo by Race Horse Photos Australia (Steven Dowden)
Secret Liason ($5) defeated $3.50 favourite Bia Diamond by 1-3/4 lengths with Kasmaher ($4.40) third.
Before her Moonee Valley breakthrough, the four-year-old last saluted at Sandown 12 months ago.
Trainer Mathew Ellerton decided to bypass the Melbourne Cup carnival and re-think his strategy.
“Three runs back we thought, what’s the point of going in Cup week, you’re just hitting your head against the wall,” Ellerton said.
A short break has produced a remarkable form turnaround although Ellerton acknowledges she has been better suited back in class.
“She went to the farm for a week and it’s done her the world of good,” he said.
“She’s come back and gone bang, bang.
“We stopped her and we started again and the last two weeks have been a significant class drop to what she’s been meeting.
“She’s been placed well the last two runs. She was a stakes winner a year ago and now she’s back winning.”
Damian Lane overcame an outside barrier to steer Secret Liaison to a straightforward win.
