The Le Pine Funerals 3YO Handicap may have uncovered a Derby contender with Hvasstan taking a sharp class rise in his stride at Caulfield on Saturday.

The Peter Gelagois-trained colt went into the event off a maiden success at Sale two weeks ago and raised the bar once again at Caulfield today in the Le Pine Funerals Handicap (1700m).

Hvasstan's sound one length win has trainer Peter Gelagotis hopeful the Fastnet Rock three-year-old can establish himself as a genuine contender for the VRC Derby (2500m) at Flemington on November 3.

“Hopefully this is the sort of horse who can take us somewhere,” Gelagotis said.

“To date he is our biggest purchase ever. Credit to Manny [Gelagotis], he seems to have a good eye for a horse, we seem to bob up with one every year and hopefully this bloke is the one who can take us to the next level.”

It proved to be a valuable pick up ride for top jockey Glen Boss after Craig Williams stayed aboard race favourite Committed after his encouraging debut win at Cranbourne.

Hvasstan sat behind the race favourite during the run and asserted his superiority on the day a long way out from home.

“He gave me a great ride,” Boss said.

“He was a bit slow to jump but I was able to put him in the race and my intention was to always go forward.

“Once he got there he relaxed great and getting towards the 500m I noticed Craig's come out but his horse wasn't there for him.

“My horse was just great, he carried on with the job, hit the front a long way from home and he just got lost in the straight.

“He has some real good upside this horse.”