The Cameron Racing silks told the tale after The Thug’s metropolitan success at Mornington on Wednesday.

Damian Lane returned without a single mud splatter after making all the running on The Thug (pictured) to win the Norm Cove Handicap over 2000m.

Lane fired across and then set a steady speed in the lead aboard The Thug who stayed on strongly to defeat Eureka Street by 1 1/4-lengths and give the stable another metropolitan winner.

Lane said The Thug settled into a beautiful rhythm for him during the race.

“He did a great job under the circumstances,” Lane said. “He had to make all and we had to do a little bit in the lead.

“I was a little bit concerned around the first bend because I fired him up to get across but he came back underneath me and settled into a beautiful rhythm.

“The horse did the rest and he gave me a good kick off the final turn.

“It’s great to get another winner for Russell and Scott - it’s great for them and they’ve got the team flying.”