The strength of Sydney's Victoria Derby challenge will be under examination when two of its better-performed three-year-olds race at Moonee Valley.

Sydney gallopers dominate betting on the Classic but two of them, favourite Complacent and third pick Criterion, won't race again until the Derby on Saturday week.

However, punters can get a line on the validity of their claims through the performances of Savvy Nature and Drago in Saturday's Mitchelton Wines Vase (2040m) at Moonee Valley.

The pair contested the Spring Champion Stakes last start which was won by the Derby favourite with Criterion second.

Savvy Nature finished strongly for third while Drago was seventh.

The colt arrived in Melbourne last week and has settled in well according to trainer John O'Shea, who has made two important gear changes for Saturday.

"He did a bit of evens on Saturday then galloped at the Valley on Tuesday," O'Shea said.

"He will have the addition of blinkers and a tongue tie. He got his tongue over the bit on Tuesday."

Markets rate Norman Robinson Stakes winner Polanski as the best of the Victorian-trained horses in the Derby.

His credentials will get their first measure against the Sydneysiders through Vase runner Pinstripe Lane who finished an eye-catching fourth to Polanski over 1800m at Flemington last start.

Pinstripe Lane is a $12 chance for Saturday with Savvy Nature favourite at $2.30 ahead of Drago ($4.80).