He hasn't been in any rush with the three-year-old and the Marton trainer's waiting tactics were rewarded at Otaki on Friday when the gelding impressively won the Gr.3 Lucia Valentina Wellington Stakes (1600m).
Matchbreaker's winning performance came off the back of a debut second in
October and a month later he broke his maiden over 1400m."His first trial as a two-year-old was won by Hard Merchandize and Waldorf ran third," said Auret, who has enjoyed past top-flight success with Julinsky Prince and Aide Memoire.
"We were second and he's just a beautiful horse going forward that's for sure, he's got a lot of improvement to come."
Matchbreaker raced outside initial leader Lady Rossa before finding the front a long way from home.
He rallied strongly under Chris Johnson with a performance that has fuelled plans for a tilt at the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) next year.
"He got pretty keen early, but typically Chris didn't panic and they got the job done," Auret said.
"This horse has always had the goods and it helps to have a Group Three in the bag going forward."
Matchbreaker is the 21st stakes-winner for Makfi, who will be represented by 26 yearlings across Book 1 and Book 2 of the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales in January.
Trail Blazer came with a powerful finish to cut Divine Power out of second with the favourite Karisto finishing fourth.
Auret also ended the day on a high when he produced Darscape Princess to win the Madge Coachlines Premier (1400m).
She is a half-sister to his Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1400m) winner Sensible Princess, who will make her next appearance in Saturday week's Gr.1 Rydges Wellington Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) at Trentham. – NZ Racing Desk.
