Bjorn Baker’s winning momentum continued at Canterbury on Monday, with promising filly Ellipsis making a successful return to racing and setting her sights on loftier targets.
Ellipsis ($4.80) resumed in strong fashion to claim the Exceedance @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1100m), notching her second win from just four starts. Baker is now weighing up two potential paths — a trip to the Scone Winter Carnival or further north for Brisbane’s fillies features during the winter carnival.
The Listed Denise’s Joy Stakes (1100m) at Scone is on the radar in three weeks, with Queensland options to follow if the three-year-old Written Tycoon filly continues her upward trajectory.
Jockey Jason Collett was impressed by the way Ellipsis handled her return effort in the Darby Racing colours.
“That was impressive and she did it at both ends then,” Collett said.
“She didn’t handle herself that well at the start and got caught wide early and did the work in the middle, too.
“She has come back better and there are good signs for her.”
In another strong performance on the day, Maison Louis ($3.20 equal favourite) impressed co-trainer Tom Charlton by powering home to win the TAB Handicap (1900m), potentially setting up a Brisbane trip of his own.
The Group 2 Rough Habit Plate (2000m) on May 17 could be on the table if the gelding continues his development.
“He got into a beautiful rhythm but he is a horse still learning what it is all about, but seeing that today was pleasing,” Charlton said.
“Before the race I was inclined to say that 2000 metres was his maximum but after seeing that today and how he relaxed, maybe not.
“We’ll consider racing him more forward if we were to press on to Queensland, but it is his first preparation so that is all to be considered.”
Maison Louis, by Group 1 Caulfield Guineas winner Super Seth, now boasts a record of three wins and a placing from five starts.