FOR THE second time in three years, Leeton trainer Col Thomas is the toast of the Riverina after Bettermatch blew away his rivals to win the $25,000 MIA Breeders Plate at Leeton. 

Business In Motion claimed the prestigious race in 2013, but his stablemate went even faster.

His mile rate of 1:58.7 was just outside the two-year-old record of 1:58.6 set by Rich Virgin last year.

Sent out as one of the shortest-priced favourites in the six decade history of the race, the son of Kenneth J justified his $1.20 quote leading all the way for a 7.1 metre win.

The only cause for concern for punters was a false start, but even that disruption wasn't enough to deter that talented baby.

Like in 2013 Bill Trembath finished second to a Col Thomas runner with Regal Nightshade ($6.00) racing without cover for the majority of the race.

Chucky Balboa ($72.90) overcame a second row draw to run  from late for third.

After two wins from two starts, Thomas came into the race confident and hasn't lost any faith in his charge.

"We thought he would lead and be hard to beat," Thomas said.

"It's a good race to win, with a bit of prestige."

The win also gives Leeton owners Robbie and Pattie Wakeman there first success in the race.

A bridesmaid two decades ago, Wakeman said he didn't feel any more pressure coming into the race with the favourite.

"I've been here before, it might be 20 years apart, but it was nice to win," he said.

"He's a nice horse and has been since we broke him in."

Although her husband took the win in his stride, Pattie was thrilled with the performance.

Brought to tears after the win she described winning the plate as "a dream come true."

"You wait for that special one to come along and when you get it it's just great," she said.

The win was also the first Breeders Plate victory for former Uranquinty reinsman Nathan Jack.

Now based at Shepparton, Jack has been at the reins for each of Bettermatch's three victories.

His decision to stick with the gelding provided an emotional victory, after his grandfather Robbie Jack's death in February.

"I've obviously won bigger races but with pop being a legend around here and a respected horseman it means a fair bit," Jack said.

"He taught me how to drive the young ones, not that he ever aimed many for the plate as it was too early."

Jack still believes Bettermatch will continue to improve.

"I don't know where the bottom of his yet," Jack said.

"He got left out I'm front on his own and didn't know what to do.

"I really like him and I don't know where the bottom is, but we haven't got there yet and hope we don't get there in the near future."

A multiple group one winner Jack rates the gelding as one of the best two-year-olds he's driven.