Hampton Court remains favourite to give Gai Waterhouse her second Victoria Derby but rival trainer Gerald Ryan has seen nothing to shake his confidence about Bachman.

Waterhouse won the 1995 Derby with Nothin' Leica Dane, the sire of Bachman's dam Ain't Seen Nothin'.

Bachman is by Group One winner All American who was only tried beyond 1600 metres once for fifth in the Frank Packer Plate.

Ryan is relying on his instinct and experience that tells him the further Bachman goes, the more his mother's breeding will come to the fore on Saturday.

"I've only watched yesterday's Vase live so I haven't had a good look at those horses but so far I think Hampton Court is the one to beat," Ryan said.

"Bachman has been aimed at the Derby. He didn't have the best run in the Caulfield Classic but has done really well since.

"You never really know until they try how they will go over the distance but I think he will handle it."

The Victoria Derby is a solid test of stamina over 2500 metres, a test for early season three-year-olds.

After racing midfield on the fence early, Bachman lost his position in the Classic and was shuffled back to last.

When he did get clear running, he ran home well to finish sixth, 4-1/2 lengths from the winner Fontein Ruby.

At his previous start Bachman finished third in the Dulcify Quality won by Hampton Court who went on to win the Spring Champion Stakes, the same double as Nothin' Leica Dane before his Victoria Derby.

Bachman has been ridden in all four spring starts by Singapore-based Australian Corey Brown who returns again for the Derby which he won in 2009 on Monaco Consul.

Moonovermanhattan, winner of Saturday's Vase (2040m) at Moonee Valley, put himself in contention to give trainer Mick Price his first win in the Derby.

Bachman is at $10 with Spring Champion Stakes winner Hampton Court the steady $3 favourite ahead of Preferment who was beaten a nose in last week's Geelong Classic and is a $4.50 chance.

Moonovermanhattan has been promoted to the third line of betting at $7 with Vase runner-up Atmosphere next at $9 and Bachman $10.