It wasn't without a heart-stopping moment but Emma Stewart's stable confidence that Major Delight is a rising star wasn't dimmed on the big stage, with the richly bred filly leading all-the-way to snare the Group 1 and stretch her unbeaten record to nine.
A little full-sister to Breeders Crown and Victoria Cup champ Max Delight, the Peter Lewis bred and owned two-year-old entered a $1.10 favourite and seemed to have the race in full command until her stablemate loomed late.
Chasing Tempting Tigress was brilliant, but the leader switched back on to score, gifting Stewart the first four runners home and her second Breeders Crown for the night.
Alabar Breeders Crown for 2YO pacing fillies champions:
Horse: Major Delight
Trainer: Emma Stewart
Driver: Mark Pitt
Owner/Breeder: Peter Lewis
Breeding: By Bettors Delight out of Lady Euthenia
THE RACE:
Major Delight, the red-hot $1.10 fixed odds favourite, led easily from barrier one and driver Mark Pitt controlled the race from the front as expected.
The unbeaten filly slipped clear of the field with a 27.4sec third quarter, but got tired in the closing stages and only hung on to win by a half-neck despite a slow 29.0sec final split.