Creek Looking to Break Drought At Strathalbyn
- Tuesday, 07 January 2003 00:00
Last season, Creek won both the senior and apprentice jockey titles in South Australia but continual weight problems have restricted his rides through the early part of this season and hence his standing on the premiership tables.
But more difficult to explain is his excellent record in town, yet disppointing provincial record.
"I brought up my 100th city winner a couple of weeks ago, yet I've only ridden just over 200 winners in my career," Creek said. "For some reason I can ride winners in town but not at the provincials.
"I think I've had only three winners at Strathalbyn since moving to Adelaide, which is a bit baffling, but I've got a good book of rides this Wednesday and I won't have to work too hard to ride them."
Creek now struggles to ride below 53.5kg, restricting his opportunities immensely. But at Strathalbyn on Wednesday, Creek is booked for seven rides, the lowest being at 54.5kg.
He rides Blevic's Jewel in race one, who was green but finished fifth behind the promising Yvonne at Victoria Park, who has recorded another city win since. In race two, Creek is aboard the David Balfour-trained Multichamp, who should appreciate the extra ground. Another ride for the Balfour stable, Lead On, follows in race four before two rides for Bill Papazaharoudakis in races five and six - College Strike and Another Fare - both good chances. He then rides Another Gem for Balfour before finishing the day with the ride on the promising Bengreta Lad for William Smart.
"College Strike and Another Fare are both in their right classes and both placed in town recently," Creek said. "Another Gem and Multichamp have been around the mark lately and should go well, and Blevic's Jewel ran a good race on debut. Bengreta Lad will make a nice horse eventually so it looks a fair day. Hopefully I can improve on my strike-rate there."
Creek's weight has proven such a stumbling block he will leave South Australia next month to return to the New South Wales/Victorian border area to ride for Brian Cox at Wodonga.
"There's a lot more race meetings and with higher topweights there'll be more opportunities," Creek said. "I've had a lot of success in Adelaide but my weight has really forced my hand."
Media Release - Jason Hickson (TRSA)
