The Listed TAB Stakes at Flemington came down to a battle between two track specialists with Launay prevailing in a photo-finish.
Launay took his record to five wins from seven starts at the track after a confident ride from Kerrin McEvoy got the gelding home by a head over British General.
British General had been unbeaten in his three previous starts at the course.
The margin might have only been slender, but there were few nervous moments for Launay’s assistant trainer Paul Snowden watching the race.
“It was just pretty to watch. He was a winner a long way from home,” Snowden said.
Launay ($5) parked just behind the favourite Callanish ($2.80) and British General ($4.60) in the run and McEvoy followed British General into the straight and waited for as long as he could before asking Launay to go.
“He just cuddled and nursed him for as long as he could and they are two hard horses to get past when they dictate on their terms,” Snowden said.
“They gave a good kick today but our horse was just a bit too good.”
The dilemma for the Darley team now is where to go next with Launay, who has carried big weights in his two starts this campaign in Listed company.
“It’s a question I can’t answer,” Snowden said.
“He’s getting weighted out of these type of races now and has probably got to go up a level.
“He might go up to Sydney or have a freshen-up and go to Brisbane. He’s the soundest he’s ever been so it gives you a bit of confidence to travel him.”
