Dunnstown trained gelding Partnersinvancelot, has claimed the James McLeod Memorial Pace at Stawell's Laidlaw Park.
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Partnersinvancelot claimed his second win under new trainer Rob McCartney when he pipped Our Uptown Girl at the post.
The three year old jumped well and worked his way into the leading pack before driver Glen Craven took a sit just outside the leader at the bell.
The whips were cracking down the home straight and a photo finish was needed before Partnersinvancelot was awarded the trophy and winning rug.
Since changing trainers and distance the horse has found some good form with two seconds and two wins from just four starts.
Partnersinvancelot has had some success on the short course with a win at Melton earlier this year, but McCartney feels the longer distances suit the gelding best.
McCartney said he was pleased with the run of his new stable star.
"It was a good run for him. Actually it is the first time we've really worked him hard and it was good to see him get up," McCartney said.
Partnersinvancelot was the favourite going into the race, but looked as though he was going to be beaten by Our Uptown Girl, which had led for most of the journey.
From here McCartney has no real plans for the horse, but it remains likely he will only enter in country races over long distances.
"There is nothing really big planned for him. He's a nice enough horse, but just small races I think," McCartney said.