It had been a long time between drinks for the Coghills Creek trainer, but he had the last say on the final day of the three-day carnival on Sunday.

Coghills Creek ($41) struck a blow for bookmakers by taking out a benchmark64, 1300m, as the rank outsider.

This gave Kelly two wins for the carnival. 

He also saluted with Geromayo ($3) in a 3yo maiden, 975m, on Saturday.

Kelly had not produced a winner since the end of January going into the carnival.

By Charge Forward, Gero-

mayo was having his first start for Kelly after previously being with Andrew Noblet at Caulfield and before that in the Mick Price stable.

It was also the gelding’s first run since September last year.

As a 2yo, he was second to Unencumbered in the $200,000 Wyong Magic Millions Classic.

For Coghills Creek, it was the 8yo’s sixth career success in 31 starts and took his earnings past $130,000.

He had not raced since February and not won since January last year.

Coghills Creek settled midfield and then charged down the centre of the track to get up in the final few strides for Stawell apprentice jockey Chelsea Hall.

NEIL Pfeiffer continued his excellent run at Swan Hill.

She’s Ellie ($5) made a return to her best form in a benchmark64, 975m, for the Ballarat trainer.

The 6yo mare is an out-and-out sprinter, having put in some of her best efforts over the 955m trip at Moonee Valley, where she has raced in some smart company.

She’s Ellie’s only other wins were in December 2012 and January 2013, and she now has $97,000 in stakes.

The Swan Hill victory gives the Pfeiffer three wins with his past six starts, with his promising 3yo filly Prepee winning back-to-back races at Swan Hill on May 3 and Geelong on May 22.

Kelly and Pfeiffer continue a solid run by Ballarat galloping stables, which are not prolific visitors to the races.

Daryl Brown greeted the judge with Buzz Punch ($17) in a maiden, 1300m, at Geelong.

The Any Given Saturday 3yo was having only his fourth career start, and was first-up since mid-April. He is out of race-winning mare Chartilla.

ANOTHER country cup has found its way to the Darren Weir camp.

Amaverde ($3) took out the $30,000 Apsley Cup, 1850m, at Edenhope on Sunday, coming from next to last at the top of the home straight after squeezing his way through on the rail.

The 5yo has been a great money-spinner for connections, with six wins in 20 starts for $112,000 in earnings.

Weir sharpened him up for the cup with a hurdle trial at Cranbourne on Thursday, when ridden quietly.

Amaverde has Weir a double at Edenhope, with Topography ($1.90 favourite) winning a maiden, 1450m, for the same interests.

Weir also had wins on two of the three days of the Swan Hill carnival – Vertical Hold ($6) in a fillies and mares maiden, 1200m, and Luskin Belle ($8) in a fillies and mares benchmark64, 1600m, on Saturday.

However, Weir came up empty at Moonee Valley on Saturday and now has just a two-win lead over Peter Moody in the Melbourne metropolitan trainers premiership.

Moody produced a double to go 61 wins.

david.brehaut@fairfaxmedia.com.au