Racing: Savvy Nature ready to turn the tables on Sydney rivals in Derby

Savvy Nature, with the addition of blinkers and a tongue-tie, made a long run around the field to be within striking distance on the home turn. Photo / Thinkstock

Savvy Nature has thrown out the challenge to Spring Champion Stakes winner Complacent ahead of the Victoria Derby with a classy victory in Saturday's group two Vase at Moonee Valley.

The John O'Shea-trained Savvy Nature started $1.80 favourite in the 2040m traditional Derby lead-up and rounded the field from last before going on to win by three lengths.

He moved to joint favourite alongside Complacent for next Saturday's group one Victoria Derby (2500m) with some betting operators.

Savvy Nature has been beaten by the Peter Snowden-trained Complacent in his last two starts in Sydney in the Gloaming Stakes and Spring Champion Stakes.

Snowden decided to bypass The Vase with Complacent and wait for the Derby. O'Shea said Savvy Nature did everything he had hoped to see on Saturday.

"He's got the job done. He's had a nice gallop. This race traditionally has been a great guide to the Derby and, hopefully, it is this year as well."

Savvy Nature, with the addition of blinkers and a tongue-tie, made a long run around the field to be within striking distance on the home turn and then proved a class above his rivals to defeat $201 chance All Rigged Up with another 1 lengths to Pinstripe Lane ($17) third.

"He attacked the line well, made a long searching run and he relaxed well as well," O'Shea said.

"He did all the right things you want to see for next week."

O'Shea, however, says the gelding still needs to improve again to beat Complacent. "We've been competitive with Complacent but we definitely need to find a length and a half."

An Epsom Hcp replay between two of Australia's best "milers" is on the cards for the final day of the Flemington carnival after Toydini's win in the Crystal Mile.

Toydini finished a close third to Boban in the Epsom this month and will now go to the Emirates Stakes (1600m) on the final day of the Flemington carnival.

"We'd be keen for a rematch with Boban," said trainer Guy Walter.

"He's relatively inexperienced, so there's room for improvement," he said. "And on a bigger track at Flemington he'll be better suited."

Jockey Blake Shinn said, "I lost a bit of momentum on the turn because we were so wide, but he toughed it out. He's got a great will to win."

- AAP