Vastly improved Time To Exceed put a dampener on trainer John Wallace's birthday celebrations the sprinter made it four wins in a row on Wednesday.

Wallace is one of Queensland's best-known trainers through the deeds of ATC Australian Derby winner Shoot Out and the Melbourne Cup placegetter Oompala.

He had hoped to celebrate his 69th birthday on Wednesday with a win by Shapin Lady ($2) in the New GCTC Events Centre Handicap at the Gold Coast.

However, Wallace had to be content with a second placegetter after Time To Exceed ($3.50) finished too strongly to beat Shapin Lady by 1-3/4 lengths.

Time To Exceed was originally trained by Norm Hilton but has won four on end for Toowoomba trainer Lynda Powell with veteran Darling Downs jockey Ron Goltz in the saddle each time.

"He really seems to have found form and he is suited in these short-course races," Goltz said.

Shapin Lady contributed to her defeat as jockey Matt McGuren reported she put in a couple of rough strides shortly after the start.