New Zealand-breds fought out a thrilling finish to Saturday’s A$80,000 Dr Bernard Clarke Memorial Handicap (2040m) at Moonee Valley, with Lauding digging deep to score a narrow win over Lincoln Rocks. 

Road To Rock gelding Lincoln Rocks went into the race as a $3.30 favourite on the strength of his last-start win at the same venue on August 10. Lauding had been unplaced in his two previous appearances in this campaign, but was unbeaten in two starts at The Valley and had blinkers on for Saturday’s race. 

Lauding was drawn in gate nine and was caught three wide around the first corner, but the race was run at only a moderate tempo and Jamie Kah allowed her mount to easily stride forward to take up a position on the outside of the leader. 

Lincoln Rocks loomed large behind that pair coming down the side of the track, and he and Lauding went to the front together at the home turn. Lincoln Rocks appeared to be travelling the better of the pair, but Kah asked for another effort out of Lauding and he responded. He fought back powerfully and edged out Lincoln Rocks in a head-bobbing photo finish. 

“He had to do a bit of work today,” Kah said. “I thought he was beaten at the 200m, but to his credit he was very tough. 

“He’s a very genuine horse. I think the blinkers going back on made a big difference for him. He falls asleep without them, so they really switch him on.” 

The Ciaron Maher-trained Lauding has now had 14 starts for four wins, five placings and A$218,895. 

“That was a masterful steer by Jamie,” assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said. “We always wanted to be prominent, and she got him there without really asking him – he just flowed there. He got a bit of a breather when he needed down the back of the track. He was asked a fair way out, but stuck on well and got the bob. 

“He’s in good form and was at the right trip today. He’s very much a blinkers horse and he’s building a good record. We’re very pleased to get this win today for the MyRacehorse team. 

“He’s a progressive horse. I don’t think we’ll drop him straight in the deep end from here. We can go for a handicap option again next, and then we may look at black type later. We might as well enjoy the ride and reap some prize-money in the meantime.” 

Lauding was bred by Rich Hill Stud’s Karl Mihaljevich and is by star Rich Hill stallion Proisir out of the Istidaad mare Lady Lucille. Herself a four-time winner and a fourth placegetter in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), Lady Lucille is the dam of five winners from five foals to race including the Group Two-placed Livid Sky, who is also by Proisir. 

Lauding began his career in the Cambridge stable of Tony Pike, where he had four starts for a win, two seconds and a fourth in last year’s Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2000m).