The Symon Wilde-trained Gundec booked his spot in the Group 1 Victoria Derby after the son of Kermadec broke his maiden in the Derby Trial (1800m) at Flemington on Wednesday.
Competitive in two strong races in Sydney last season at two, Gundec finished third behind Grinzinger King and the fancied Victoria Oaks hopeful Kapalua Sunset when making his debut for Wilde at Geelong on September 5.
Gundec stayed on strongly to repel the challenge of the All Too Hard colt Sharper by three-quarters of a length with the Foxwedge gelding Sebastian The Fox one and a quarter lengths back in third.
"That's what we bought him for so it was great to get it done today," Wilde said.
"I think he is in now so we can make preparations and plans solely around the Derby.
"I thought he was good, he took a long time to get past that horse and it may indicate the further the better.
"Craig had to give him a little shove out of the gates, he relaxed beautifully after that, so it's looking like 2500 metres is going to be right up his alley the way he toughed it out late.
"A good team of loyal clients backed us in. We thought we had found a Derby colt.
"His my first Derby horse. The (original) owners were good enough to sell him to us, and they are still in the ownership as well, so hopefully, it will be a good ride from here on.
Wilde said the $175,000 Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m) was likely to be Gundec's next start in a fortnight.
Bred by St Aubins Scone Partnership, Gundec was a $10,000 purchase at the 2020 Inglis August (Early) Online Sale.
The son of Kermadec is the fifth foal and first winner from two to race for the winning Fanstaic Light (IRE) mare Sunup, a half-sister to the talented Paulini (Singspiel) who placed in the Group II AJC Light Fingers Stakes and Group III Silver Shadow Stakes.
Gundec is the most recent foal of Sunup, which was dropped from the official record last month.
