Darren Gauci was seen at his brilliant best again, in an all the way win on Lucky Penny in the Victorian Hardwood Floors Handicap.

After drawing a good gate he was giving nothing away, he had the fence, and that is where he remained until it was time to get busy in the straight.

The mare responded well to the role of pacemaker, there was plenty left there when she was called upon.

Overall it was a pretty good effort, when taking into account she was first up since August of last year.

Lucky Penny is prepared by the joint training partnership of, Peter Morgan and Craig Widdison, at Talwood Park Whittlesea, a former stud property.

The plan to bring her back to racing in the late autumn has worked well, as she won three races this time last year.

Elfina did most of the early chasing, but she had had enough by the time the home turn was reached.

Nothing much impressed outside of the three place getters, Sweet Ella was running on after being a fair way back in the field early.

Lucky Penny is by Keep The Faith, his sire Sunday Silence left 871 winners, with 171 Stakes winners and progeny earnings of $779 million.

Lucky Penny with Darren Gauci up