A colt named in honour of his breeder has maintained an unbeaten start to his career with a stakes victory at Moonee Valley.

Ken's Dream raced to a nine-length win at Echuca on debut, earning the step up to Saturday's Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) Moonee Valley.

And after racing on the speed, the three-year-old fought off the challenge of Dam Ready to win by a length.

Part-owner Ray Shea said it was an emotional win, given the horse was named for breeder Ken McDonald.

"Ken was a passionate horseman. He and his brother in New Zealand, Terry McDonald, raced trotters and horses over there. (Pacer) Master Musician was one of his actually," Shea said.

"We shared horses with him, like Streets Away and a number of other horses.

"Unfortunately Ken passed away a couple of years ago and he never really got the opportunity to realise the dream of having that champion horse that he hoped he would," Shea said.

"He had many successful winners.

"Ken's family and George Douglas retained ownership of the horse and we're grateful to be able to take a share in the horse and name him Ken's Dream."

Ken's Dream, the $2.30 favourite, defeated Dam Ready by a length with 1-3/4 lengths to Throssell in third.

"He's pretty smart," jockey Dean Yendall said.

"Today was a throw at the stumps to see what level he's at and he proved to us he's a nice enough horse going places."

Trainer Darren Weir said Ken's Dream had taken a step up on Saturday but was unsure how much further he will get into this preparation.

"It's a hard thing to do to go from a maiden in the bush to winning a Listed race in town. The little concern would be whether there's much more to come (this preparation)," Weir said.

"Looking at him in the yard I thought he was light enough for where he is for this stage in his preparation.

"That's going to be the tough thing now, whether we have to stop or just space his runs."