SO dominant was Lochinvar Art's performance in Friday night's Gold Chalice Final, that when driver David Moran raised his whip in triumph in he still had around 20 metres to travel.
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And even though he looked to be cruising as he then ran past the post, Lochinvar Art clocked a new class record for the 2,260m trip at the Bathurst Gold Crown Paceway - a 1:54.5.
It was ninth tenths of a second quicker than the effort Sams The Master produced more than three years earlier and saw the Modern Art x Ponder In Paris colt finish 12.3m clear of his nearest rival.
While Moran made all the right moves in the $100,000 decider for three-year-old colts and geldings after going from barrier nine with the $2 favourite, he put the praise squarely on Lochinvar Art.
"He hasn't had a lot of luck with barrier draws over his time, so it was pretty well deserved," Moran said.
"Driving them sort of horses you don't need to do too much thinking, but it worked out good tonight and I'm very grateful for it."
Having placed in each of his nine prior starts this season - three of them being victories - the Kialla trained colt looked like the standout contender in the Gold Chalice Final.
He soon showed why.
As second elect Shoobee Doo ($6) rolled to the lead in the opening stages, Moran sat one out and five back with Lochinvar Art.
At the 1,300m mark Moran guided the favourite three wide into the death seat, then with 600m go he nosed in front. From there it was all over.
Lochinvar Art led by two lengths on the turn and increased that buffer after balancing to post the biggest win of his career.
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Second went to last year's Gold Crown victor College Chapel ($41, Bernie Hewitt), while the $101 long shot Straddie, with Robbie Morris in the gig, made up good ground to nab third.
Owner Kevin Gordon was delighted to lay his hands on the trophy on a night which saw the Gold Chalice hold Group 1 status for the first time.
"It's just an absolute thrill to win a Group 1 here, no doubt about that," he said.
"Woo hoo Group 1."
