Toowoomba trainer Eric Ropiha continued his love affair with the Sunshine Coast when Lucky Luna snuck into the Glasshouse Handicap and scored a narrow win.The Caloundra track has been a happy hunting ground for Ropiha since he took out his trainer's licence eight years ago and Lucky Luna was his second winner in the $175,000 Listed 1400m event.Ropiha's former grand sprinter Osca Warrior started at long odds when he won the race in 2003 and Lucky Luna also caused a boilover when he nabbed Rockpec

Toowoomba trainer Eric Ropiha continued his love affair with the Sunshine Coast when Lucky Luna snuck into the Glasshouse Handicap and scored a narrow win.

The Caloundra track has been a happy hunting ground for Ropiha since he took out his trainer's licence eight years ago and Lucky Luna was his second winner in the $175,000 Listed 1400m event.

Ropiha's former grand sprinter Osca Warrior started at long odds when he won the race in 2003 and Lucky Luna also caused a boilover when he nabbed Rockpecker in the last stride on Saturday.

Confidently ridden by his regular rider Scott Seamer, Lucky Luna was second emergency for the Glasshouse and only secured a start when there four scratchings on the heavy track.

"I love this place," an emotional Ropiha said.

"I've had no luck with this horse. He's always drawing bad barriers but I was confident he could win this race and when I told Scotty I was setting him for it he said, 'I'm coming with you'."

Lucky Luna ($15) settled midfield and was wide with cover but the horse let down with a withering burst in the final 100m to defeat Rockpecker ($9) by a short head with evergreen gelding Rags To Riches ($31) running on well to finish a half-length away third.

Ropiha said Lucky Luna would have his next start on the cushion surface at his home track in the $150,000 Weetwood Handicap (1300m) when the track reopens on July 11.

Rockpecker's rider Damian Browne said he thought he had the race won when he dashed to the front halfway up the straight.

"It was a terrific effort. He probably got to the front too soon but I thought he was going to hang on, he tried his heart out," Browne said.

Melbourne galloper Mr Baritone started the $7 favourite and ran home from well back to finish seventh, nearly five lengths from the winner.

Trainer Mike Moroney said the gelding would probably back up in the Ascot Handicap (1200m) at Eagle Farm next Saturday before going for a spell.

"He was honest in the ground. It was probably wetter than he wanted but Glen (Boss) was happy with the run," Moroney said.

"I'll see how he pulls up but there is every chance he will back up in the Ascot."