Crystal Dreamer is ready to make his mark when he runs at Caulfield
Training partners Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra know the strengths and weaknesses of their stable.
In recent seasons the cousins have become minor players at carnival times before making the most of their opportunities in the off-season.
Crystal Dreamer is one horse ready to make his mark when he runs at Caulfield on Saturday and Zahra is looking forward to his return.
After spending time at owner David Moodie’s property following his last start in January, Zahra says Crystal Dreamer has come back in fantastic order.
“He’s a horse that you’ve got to space a bit and he didn’t look as good going into his last run,” Zahra said.
“He looked like he had lightened off a touch but after his break at the farm he’s come back looking amazing and his fresh form is good.
“He’s got a two kilo claim, he’s drawn nicely, he’s got good speed and goes well at Caulfield but it’s a tougher race than what he was racing in before a break.”
Zahra wants to see how Crystal Dreamer returns before making any plans.
“At the moment we just want to take him through his classes,” Zahra said.
“He’s a nice bread and butter horse and we don’t want to go cooking him just yet.”
Stablemate Creativity will attempt to remain unbeaten this campaign when she runs in the Selangor Turf Club Handicap.
After wins over 1200m at Cranbourne and 1400m in midweek grade at Sandown, Creativity is dropping back to 1200m on Saturday.
Zahra said although Creativity won by three-quarters of a length at Sandown the stable was disappointed with the style of her victory.
“She was travelling like she was going to win by six (lengths),” Zahra said.
“She might be better when they’re running along and she can drop the bit and have a better turn of foot.”
Zahra thinks long-term Creativity could develop into a spring contender.
Sword Of Light backs up in the Buyaracehorse.com.au Handicap after her second placing in the Bendigo Guineas last week while Zahra suggests the 2400m of the JRA Handicap will be ideal for Lucques at his fourth run from a spell.
Their other runner is Manning Road in the Listed Galilee Series Final.
“She’s probably not quite up to them but it’s a Listed race and if she sneaks a place she gets some black type,” Zahra said.
