Rock 'N' Gold made up for two luckless runs this preparation with a strong win in Sunday's Apache Cat Classic (1000m) at Cranbourne.
Damian Lane parked Rock 'N' Gold just behind the speed set by Danuki to the home turn where he was forced to wait for a stride or three before obtaining clear running.
Once into the open Rock 'N' Gold ($3 fav) let down powerfully to run down Danuki ($9.50) and score going away by three-quarters of a length. Gun Case ($3.50) stayed on for third a further long head away.
The Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra-trained Rock 'N' Gold finished third in the rescheduled version of this race in March and had finished runner-up at both his starts this preparation with legitimate excuses.
Lane said the seven-year-old is racing in great heart but was concerned pre-race with how the track was favouring those on speed.
"This did look his race but it was going to be tricky the way the track was playing," Lane told Racing Victoria.
"I think that created a lot of speed in the race and we were able to get the camp off them.
"When he sprinted he sprinted well - I had a concern for a couple of strides getting out but I followed Gun Case and I knew he'd give a good kick."
Lane has ridden Rock 'N' Gold to success five times and said son of Rock Of Gibraltar is racing better than ever.
"It took a long time to figure him out, he looked like a horse that was going to get over further early," Lane said.
"He probably should of but because of his aggressive racing style we couldn't.
"Matty and Simon decided a couple of seasons ago they were going to keep him fresh and to sprinting and the horse just loves it.
"Each preparation he just seems to be coming back better."
