Brigit Buafai withstood some early pressure to break the two minute barrier for the first time at Leeton on Saturday.
The David Eurell-trained mare brought up win number seven at start 21 as she took out one of the heats Bells Produce Carnival Pace.
Breaking through the mark was a relief for the Yanco trainer as the four-year-old returned to the track following a second at Melton in November.
Eurell was pleased with how she resumed, clocking 1:59.8 as she defeated Wake Up Quinn by 2.3 metres.
“She got a bit of an infection, had five weeks off and we thought she might have been a bit short of a run but she went excellent and has pulled up really good,” Eurell said.
“If just depends on the draw on Friday night.”
The fastest heat winner was Our Priddy Maid for Narrandera trainer Shaun Snudden while Coola Bar Boy won the third of the heats
Former Leeton girl Martelle Maguire returned home to score her first win as a trainer when Beau Cisholm took out the first heat of the Golden Apple Superstore (2147m) on Sunday.
The former New Zealand gelding was first up in the country and was able to come from near the tail of the field to make it back to back wins.
The second heat was taken out by another former New Zealander The Keystone Kid for Shepparton trainer Amanda Turnbull.
The Keystone Kid overcame an early error to find the front and the grey finished too strong for his rivals.
Both $10,000 finals will be run on Friday.
