Pillar of Creation saved the day for co-trainers Mat Ellerton and Simon Zahra when he lived up to recent form in making it three wins from his last five starts at Caulfield.

The three-year-old gelding, backed from $11 to $7.50 in the Richmond FC 60K Member Handicap on Saturday, overcame a wide barrier to beat Committed ($7) by 1-1/4 lengths with the favourite Hai Lil ($4.40) a long neck third.

"He had to do all the work from outside but he just kept on going," said Ellerton.

Punters who had taken the omen bet and put their money on Laohu, with jockey Dwayne Dunn wearing the Richmond colours, were cheering early as the $11 chance led when the field settled and was still holding third at the 400m.

But Laohu weakened close to home to finish 11th in the field of 13.

Ellerton and Zahra had earlier watched debutant Crystal Ruby, sister of 2010 Golden Slipper winner Crystal Lily, finish eighth in the Procal Dairies Handicap.

Ellerton said Crystal Ruby would be returned to the spelling paddock.

"Hopefully she can show us something next time she races," he said.