Delightful Memphis blasted away her usual bridesmaid's tag with a scorching 1.51.9 track record-breaking mile win at Winton on Saturday.
The Mark Jones-trained filly came off a hot speed to beat fellow classy 3yr-olds in second-placed Seaswift Joy and third-placed Eamon Maguire.
Delightful Memphis' winning time not only set a mile track record for 3yr-old fillies, but she destroyed her former stablemate Rocker Band's all-comers' record.
In December, the former Mark Jones and now Barry Purdon-trained mare ran a 1.53.3 mile at Winton.
Delightful Memphis' all-comers time is a full two seconds faster than the open record for all male pacers, set by Fly Like An Eagle in 2014.
The Bettor's Delight filly and driver Blair Orange sat back off hot early speed. The opening 800m was run in 57.4sec.
During the opening half, Seaswift Joy worked hard to get to the front, while Eamon Maguire was left to sit parked for the entire race.
Though her counterparts fought on strongly, neither could match Delightful Memphis' powerful yet wayward finish.
The filly ran in near the finishing post, squeezing Eamon Maguire between her and Seaswift Joy. No protest was lodged following the incident, but Orange was handed a $200 fine for allowing his horse to drift inwards.
The win must make Delightful Memphis the unofficial favourite for this season's Southland Oaks, furthered by the fact that her arch nemesis, Spanish Armada, is yet to start qualifying for the series.
Otago speedster Eamon Maguire lost no admirers with his tough effort to sit parked and run third on the record-breaking pace.
Oamaru trotter Zoey's Gift looks set to tackle this week's New Zealand Trotting Oaks at Addington after a stylish rating 62 win on Saturday.
The Phil Williamson-trained filly was left back in the field and wide on the track early in the race before driver Matthew Williamson elected to press forward and find the front.
Though several runners launched runs late, Zoey's Gift cruised to the post comfortably.
''She trotted really nicely and was strong at the line,'' Matthew Williamson said.
Williamson was not about to get carried away about the horse's chances in this week's race.
''She definitely has the toughness to step up to that grade, but the draw is going to have a big impact on her chances.''
Zoey's Gift has attracted attention through her short career, but her manners have not matched her potential. On Saturday, though, she trotted as fluently as she ever has and her driver was most impressed with her gait in behind the mobile, which was a big plus with the Oaks looming he said.
Zoey's Gift also broke the 3yr-old trotting fillies' track record at Winton, with her 1.58.9 win.
Trainers Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen claimed a track record and a quinella on the Winton programme when All U Need Is Faith beat Speech Is Silver in 1.55.9.
The richest race on the day's programme, the Southern Belle mares' contest, was won by Roxy Dale for trainer Murray Brown and driver Sheree Tomlinson.
The Tim Butt-trained 3yr-old Let It Ride slashed his odds for the New Zealand Derby from $41 to $16 after scoring his third win at his third race start at Addington on Friday.
The Rock N Roll Heaven gelding scored the 1950m race in a 1.54.6 mile rate and reeled off the fastest last 800m at the track, clocking home in 53.8sec.
-By Jonny Turner
