Savvy Nature tuned up for next week's Derby in style at Moonee Valley but not before a disconcerting bout of déjà vu for jockey James McDonald.

The fast-developing John O'Shea stayer settled at the rear in the Group 2 Mitchelton Wines Vase (2040m) and looked to be floundering around the bend before picking up for a dominant win.

Just 12 months ago McDonald was aboard Cox Plate favourite It's A Dundeel in the same race, and could only manage second after coming from the rear.

“He didn't get around the course as well, I thought it was déjà vu over again with Dundeel as a three-year-old,” McDonald said.

“Going around the bend he was completely disunited, he wasn't comfortable at all, he lent in quite badly.

“Lucky I was on a good horse to get away with it.

“He's got a lot to learn and hopefully he'll get away with it in the Derby. We're full steam ahead now, get him on that big track he's going to be ultra hard to beat.”

Anthony Cummings colt Drago surprisingly set the tempo in the Vase and pinched a break rounding the bend before tiring badly in the straight.

Savvy Nature was off the bit 400m out but let down well enough to pull away for a three-length win over outsider All Rigged Up. Pinstripe Lane ran on into third.

The win follows his third placing in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) two weeks back at Randwick behind fellow Derby contenders Complacent and Criterion.

O'Shea described today's win as a soft kill.

“He's got the job done,” O'Shea said.

“He's had a nice gallop. This race traditionally has been a nice guide to the Derby and hopefully it is this year as well.

“He's a big gross horse, he's put on eight or 10 kilos this week, he loves his week this will just top him off.”