Ellis Street keen to shake his bridesmaid tag

By Jordan Gerrans

Pacer Ellis Street was developing a reputation as a bridesmaid in the early stages of his career but now with a victory under his belt, trainer Murray Thomas is eager to see the two-year-old go on with it.

The son of Egmont Park stallion Ohoka Punter finished in second position on four separate occasions before finally breaking through a start seven in the middle of last month.

Ellis Street has since gone on to run second again following the maiden triumph, beaten by the slimmest of margins at Albion Park in late April.

In what is shaping as a busy winter period for the talented juvenile, Ellis Street tackles the Changeover 2YO Classic on Saturday evening at Albion Park.

The Thomas-trained gelding has drawn the second row on Saturday, which the experienced trainer notes has been a concern for Ellis Street throughout his career so far.

Ellis Street finished second on four straight occasions through March and into April this year.

“He just never drawn an alley, he has done all the work in every race he has ever been in,” the trainer said.

“He has gone under, running second, but only just.

“They have all been huge runs, every time we think “next week”, every time.”

Despite having just one victory to his name, the Buccan-based Thomas and connections have high hopes for the youngster.

Thomas said he would have preferred a better draw on Saturday evening instead of eight from the second row.

“I think he is a big chance on Saturday night but it will depend on what happens in the race,” Thomas said.

“I think if we had been drawn four then we would have gone straight to the top.

“He has come from behind before in his races, he can do it.”

Ellis Street is a relaxed customer, according to his trainer.

“When he goes to the races, he goes to sleep and you need to wake him up and tell him that it is almost race time,” Thomas said with a laugh.

Ellis Street is raced by the Feehely family, who have enjoyed success with the barn in recent years.

The Feehelys have Party Polotix with Thomas.

Party Polotix and Ellis Street are both daughters of mare Party In Paris.

Party Polotix – who is set to face the starter on Thursday at Redcliffe – has won four from 33, as well as nine other minor placings.

“That’s where it started with the older sister,” Thomas said.

“They bought her as a yearling and she picked up all her QBRED bonuses and is now a four-year-old.

“She was a good little earner for them getting all the bonuses going.

“They are good people and it is good to see that they now have something that can go all right in Ellis Street.

“Party Polotix goes ok as well but she has had a lot of problems with her feet all the way through.”

The Feehelys bred the yearling that would become Ellis Street before going through the Redcliffe sales.

“I brought him home from the sales and broke him in, he showed ability right from day dot,” the trainer said.

“He has shown that he has got something there and he goes good.”

The Changeover 2YO Classic on Saturday evening at Albion Park has attracted a field of eight, with two each coming from the leading yards of Chantal Turpin and Graham Dwyer. 

The 60-year-old Thomas plans to progress from the Changeover 2YO Classic towards the 2023 QBRED Breeders Classic for colts and geldings.

From there, the rich Redcliffe Sales series is on the agenda before a tilt at the TRIAD races later in the year.