The $1,500,000 Redoute's Choice colt Creator opened his winning account in Saturday's Clarendon Stakes (1300m) at Hawkesbury and bring to an end the unbeaten run of the Rubick gelding Erno.
With James McDonald in the saddle and in receipt of 3kgs from the runner-up, Creator defeated Erno by half a length with Brandenburg (Burgundy) one and a half lengths back in third. (image Steve Hart)
Trained by Peter and Paul Snowden for a syndicate of high-profile owners, Creator was making his third start after finishing third at Rosehill on debut last December before a luckless fourth as favourite at Hawkesbury at his most recent start on April 9.
"I felt Peter's hands going around my neck at the 1000m but it was a really good effort by a lovely colt who has a good action and a great brain," McDonald said.
Peter Snowden said the son of Redoutes's Choice may have earned a trip to Brisbane.
"The blinkers certainly switched him on today," Snowden said.
"He was going to be in a good spot but then went back to an awkward spot, so James had to get on his bike quite early and he sustained a good gallop and there was plenty of merit in the win.
"He's always shown us something but has always looked like he was going to need some time, but time isn't your best friend when you've got a colt with a pedigree like he has.
"He is going to make his presence felt after that win today and the time he ran.
"There are some options in Brisbane which we will be targeting but he needed to win today to give us the confidence to go to Brisbane."
A three-quarter brother to Group II winner and multiple Group 1 placed Sister Madly (Redoute's Choice), Creator (pictured as a yearling) was purchased by James Harron Bloodstock for $1.5 million out of the Arrowfield Stud draft at the 2018 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
He is the third winner from as many foals from the Encosta Lago mare Silla Regalis, herself a $700,000 Easter yearling, who is a sister to the dam of dual Group II winner Empress Rock (Fastnet Rock) and a half-sister to two-time Hong Kong Horse Of The Year Silent Witness (El Moxie).
Silla Regalis has a weanling colt by Dundeel and was covered by Snitzel last spring.
