Up-and-coming stayer More Than Perfect can bridge a 10 year gap for More Than Ready in the G1 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on October 31.

The first classic winner from the Vinery champion’s first southern crop was 2005 Victoria Derby winner Benicio.

And More Than Perfect looked every inch a classic horse when breaking through in the Cable Beach Maiden (1600m) at Sandown on Wednesday.  Stepping up to a mile third time out, he finished full of running to defeat the favourite Tessabelle by over a length.

“His last run was one to forget because there were plenty of excuses,” trainer Robert Smerdon explained.  “He was allowed to get a nice trail two-out, two-back today and Craig (Williams) gave him a bit of a shake up on the turn as a reminder.

“He responded in a way that gives the impression he will get a bit more ground as he tendered to grind to the line powerfully and not let down and sprint.

“He has a lot of upside and will also benefit from today’s outing.”

More Than Perfect has loads of depth on the bottom-half of his pedigree.  His dam Perfect Drop (Quest For Fame) is by an English Derby winner and she was runner-up in the 2008 Australian Oaks.

His second-dam is a half-sister to champion filly Triscay whose Group 1 roll-call included the 1991 Australian Oaks at Randwick.

More Than Ready has just started working through his latest southern book at Vinery for a $66,000 (inc gst) service fee.