Darren Gauci, long recognised as a great judge of pace, was seen at his best in the all the way win on Budriguez in the Victoria Handicap.

A noted front runner, he is racing in peak form at present, having shared the winner’s stall recently with the current Melbourne Cup favourite, Puissance du Lune, in the Blamey Stakes.

Gauci was selected to ride the gelding as he is such an incredible rider on a noted front runner, he never changes his grip, the late Geoff Murphy was never afraid to use Gauci.

Budriguez made full use of the inside draw being quickly in front and was able to dictate the pace to a nicety.

British General did most of the chasing all the way, while looking some chance on the turn he failed to run on, he seems to perform better at Flemington.

Under The Eiffel, who narrowly defeated British General at Caulfield last week, was like the man who fell out of the boat, he wasn’t in it.

The favourite, Sertorius, ran a nice race; it took his rider, Ryan Maloney, time to find room at the top of the straight, when he did the horse ran on gamely, he will win again soon.

Budriguez winning Victoria Hcp.