Swettenham Stud graduate Trust In A Gust wasn’t the only VOBIS winner for the Nagambie nursery at Moonee Valley on Friday night.

Earlier in the evening, Bianconi gelding Master’s Degree banked $78,000 in prizemoney and VOBIS bonuses with a front-running victory in the Tour Of Victoria Distance Final (2500m).

“I earmarked this race for him and it’s a thrill to see it come off,” owner-trainer Steve Lake said.  “There’s still a win or two left in him this prep.”

Master’s Degree (4g Bianconi – Kinder Girl by Cossack Warrior) had won at Kyneton, Tatura, and Bendigo last year before the breakthrough in town.  “I bred him and his dam was my last winner in Melbourne,” Lake revealed.  “We will come back for another race here in a fortnight.”

Master’s Degree stretched Bianconi’s winning range to 3000 metres at Tatura in October.  The Swettenham stallion is renowned for his all-round ability as a sire – his Group 1 strike-rate extends from 1100m (Nicconi – The Galaxy) to 2200m (Above Deck – Doomben Cup).

Bianconi (Danzig) has a colt from Doomben winner Partygoer (Mossman) nominated for the Adelaide Magic Millions in March.  He is catalogued as Lot 200 from Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm.