The Chosen One's demolition job in the $220,000 Thorndon Mile at Trentham today was not even close to being one of the biggest wins of Murray Baker's training career, but it was one of the most satisfying.
Baker and training partner Andrew Forsman produced New Zealand's best stayer fresh-up to smash elite milers in a dazzling display under comeback jockey Matt Cameron.
Settling just off the speed, The Chosen One jogged to the lead at the 250m and exploded clear, beating Coventina Bay and Mali Ston.
It was The Chosen One's first Group 1 victory, with most of his racing in the past two years being at the highest level in Australia, including two huge Melbourne Cup efforts for a fourth and fifth, a Caulfield Cup third and second in the Sydney Cup.
So to win at a distance well short of his best in his first start since the Melbourne Cup in early November was a testament to the master trainers' skills.