Tarzino can confirm his favouritism for the Victoria Derby when he contests a traditional lead-up race to the classic at Moonee Valley.

The Mick Price trained three-year-old lines up in the Vase (2040m) on Saturday and heads early betting at $3.60.

After winning a Ballarat maiden and then a 1600m race at Caulfield, the colt featured in a change of plans and contested the Caulfield Guineas on October 10.

Price had originally pencilled in a run over 1800m at Flemington a week earlier and a start in the Caulfield Classic (2000m) last Saturday.

Tarzino finished seventh to Press Statement in the Guineas after a luckless run in the straight.

Price took the son of Tavistock to Moonee Valley on Tuesday morning for a familiarisation gallop and said he handled the tricky layout well.

"I think once you get up over a distance at Moonee Valley it doesn't worry horses too much," Price said.

"They talk about big horses not getting around Moonee Valley and that some are Moonee Valley horses and some aren't.

"Even though he's won there, (stablemate) Lankan Rupee is one that's not suited.

"His (Tarzino) work was good the other day, he was relaxed and it was a good morning out."

Tarzino will be pitted against fellow Derby contenders Shards, Sovereign Nation, Kentucky Flyer, Hierarchal, Red Alto, Tally and Assertive Star in Saturday's race but it's fillies Pasadena Girl and Jameka that are expected to offer the stiffest opposition, according to early betting.

Tarzino is the $3.50 favourite for Saturday week's Derby ahead of the Chris Waller-trained Vanburgh at $5.50 with Get The Picture and Pay Up Bro at $8.50.