Classy Cambridge mare Chenille assured herself of the favourite's tag for the Gr. 1 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) when she took out the traditional lead-up event, the Buffalo & Co Nathans Memorial (2200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Shrugging off an indifferent performance in the Gr. 2 Avondale Cup (2400m) on a tricky track a fortnight ago, the five-year-old Pentire mare relished Saturday's perfect conditions to down a field containing many of her rivals for this weekend with ease.

Rider Leith Innes had the mare nicely placed on the rail from an inside draw throughout the race before angling into a challenging position at the 600 metre mark. She quickly collared the pacemaker Woodsman with 200 metres to run and then drew clear to hold the fast finishing Zacada at bay by a comfortable two length margin at the line.

Part-owner Vicki Pike was full of praise for both the mare's effort and the ride by Innes.

"It was a very dominant win and a 10 out of 10 ride," she said.

"We've been very happy with her all week as she's gone from strength to strength. She obviously didn't cop the track in the Avondale Cup so going forward to the Auckland Cup next week where we couldn't be more delighted."