Driver Tim Williams helped the All Stars pacer claim group 1 reward for his consistent spring, securing a perfect run in the trail that set up the 5yr-old's win.
The win meant the Addington birdcage was again flooded with jubilant owners as the large Alabar Racing Syndicate celebrated its pacer's first win in an open class group 1 feature.
Syndicate manager Ivan Behrnes poured praise on Williams after the race and not just for his cool and calm drive.
The reinsman has been instrumental in helping Chase Auckland develop into a genuine open-class force, Behrnes said.
"He can be a bit of a handful, as you could see after the race, but he has been really in the zone in his races this season.
"It is a credit to Tim. You can often see them just going around in the prelim on his own, keeping him relaxed. They have really got a great combination since he has become his regular driver."
A patient approach from his trainers has also been key to Chase Auckland developing from one-time age-group star to top-line grand circuit performer.
All Stars trainers Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen did not rush the horse after he suffered a muscle problem that set his 4yr-old season back.
"Mark and Natalie kept saying `be patient'. He wasn't ready for these kind of races last year - it was too soon for him," Behrnes said.
"But this season he everything has gone perfectly and he has looked a picture.
Many expected Chase Auckland to blast off the arm and easily slot into the trail behind probable leader Classie Brigade.
That was not the case when the newly relaxed Chase Auckland was too chilled out behind the mobile and did not display the blazing gate speed he has in the past.
"I was back off the gate. It's the first time he has raced from behind the mobile this season," Williams said.
Despite the early moves not playing out as expected, Chase Auckland and Williams still landed in the trail behind Classie Brigade.
In a complete turnaround in race fortunes from the New Zealand Cup, the breaks went Chase Auckland's way when they went against his stablemates.
Spankem was unable to take the lead from Classie Brigade and Cruz Bromac went roughly, losing a handy spot.
On Tuesday, it was Chase Auckland who copped the bad luck in Cruz Bromac's New Zealand Cup.
Classie Brigade, who also came out of the New Zealand Cup with a hard-luck story, held second yesterday, a length from Chase Auckland.
Cruz Bromac recovered from his early gallop to produce a huge performance and run third.
The 8yr-old's early mistake potentially cost driver Blair Orange a historic carnival treble.
Orange added the group 1 Dominion to his New Zealand Cup win with Cruz Bromac, producing a cool steer behind Habibi Inta.
Orange sat the Paul Nairn-trained trotter off a hot speed set up by Marcoola before launching his run in the straight. Habibti Inta went on to win the 3200m group 1 feature by a 7⅓ lengths.
Oamaru trotter Monty Python ran another big race placing, finishing third behind runner-up Tough Monarch.
The race featured the shock failure of the favourite Oscar Bonavena.
Trainer-driver Purdon said inexperience cost him when a rival galloped in front of him and the 4yr-old had to swerve around him.
