Ellipsis to be set for Denise’s Joy Stakes 2025 after Canterbury win

Trainer Bjorn Baker looks to have unearthed another promising filly in Ellipsis, who kicked off her campaign with a determined victory at Canterbury on Monday.
Ellipsis ($4.80) resumed with a stylish win in the Exceedance @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1100m), improving her record to two wins from four starts. The Denise’s Joy Stakes (1100m) at Scone now looms as her next goal, with a Queensland campaign also on the table.
Jockey Jason Collett was thrilled with the three-year-old’s performance, highlighting her maturity and improvement.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the progressive Maison Louis ($3.20 equal favourite) produced a strong staying effort in the TAB Handicap (1900m), putting himself in line for a possible trip to Brisbane for the Rough Habit Plate (2000m) on May 17.
Co-trainer Tom Charlton was pleasantly surprised by the ease of the win and said the gelding is still learning but continues to take big steps forward.
“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 more forward if we were to press on to Queensland but it is his first preparation so that is all to be considered.”
The Super Seth gelding now boasts a consistent record with three wins and a placing from just five starts.
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