Much travelled veteran Carrizo Creek has claimed his first Australian win in the P J Bell Country Championship at Randwick.The eight-year-old began his career in Ireland and won a Group Two race in England as a two-year-old before starting again in Hong Kong in 2005.He joined young trainer Marcus Wilson's Hunter Valley stable earlier this year and ran third at Randwick on a slow track at his second start.He appreciated the same track condition in Monday's 1400m race with Hugh Bowman bringing him

Much travelled veteran Carrizo Creek has claimed his first Australian win in the P J Bell Country Championship at Randwick.

The eight-year-old began his career in Ireland and won a Group Two race in England as a two-year-old before starting again in Hong Kong in 2005.

He joined young trainer Marcus Wilson's Hunter Valley stable earlier this year and ran third at Randwick on a slow track at his second start.

He appreciated the same track condition in Monday's 1400m race with Hugh Bowman bringing him from back in the field to overpower Morning Time and win by 1-3/4 lengths.

"I've got 18 horses in work and quite a few from Hong Kong," Wilson said.

"It does take them a while to acclimatise and the key seems to be keeping them fit and fresh.

"He has been a bit unlucky in a couple of his races and this win was well deserved.

"He was a Group Two winner in Europe and he has raced in good company throughout his career."

Wilson, based at Singleton, came within a neck of claiming a double with his imports when Helene Brilliant was run down by Parfumier in the Coogee Welter (1300m).

It was Helene Brilliant's fourth Australian start after he also joined the Wilson stable early this year.

Carrizo Creek was ridden by Hugh Bowman who is engaged in an enthralling tussle with Corey Brown for the Sydney jockeys' premiership.

Bowman started the day on 72, two ahead of Brown who scored an early double to draw level.

But Bowman hit back with Carrizo Creek and followed up on Parfumier to maintain the status quo.

Brown, who won the premiership in 2001-02, is well prepared for the fight with his close friend.

"It's a great competition and there are still a few weeks to go," Brown said.

"I will be riding in Sydney this weekend. I may make one more trip to Queensland this winter but that's not definite yet.

"It's good for racing at this time of year, it adds interest.

"Hugh will be trying hard but so will I.

"I've won it before and it's a great thing to have beside your name."