Outstanding three-year-old Madison County repaid his many supporters when he carried the favourite's tag to a comprehensive victory in the group one Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton.
The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained Pins gelding had jumped to the top of the pre-race betting markets when he took out the group two Hawke's Bay Guineas (1400m) at Hastings in October.
Despite a slight hiccup when finishing third in his final lead-up run at Te Rapa, punters never wavered in their faith in the China Horse Club-owned galloper as he delivered in fine style, courtesy of an ice-cool ride by jockey Matthew Cameron.
Positioned on the rail behind a solid early speed, Cameron had Madison County ticking over nicely approaching the home turn, before finding clear-air in the straight.
Madison County quickly mastered fellow Cambridge raider Dawn Patrol as he dashed away to win by two and a half lengths with Sir Nate closing gamely for third.