Spacecraft's march to the Group One Victoria Derby gathered momentum at Caulfield today when he scored a thrilling win in the Pura Light Start Plate (1600m).

Sent out one of the better chances after an impressive win at Moonee Valley, Spacecraft pulled out plenty over the concluding stages to hold out a challenge from King Diamond.

The well bred son of leading international sire Galileo will be out to go two better than his year older half brother who earlier this year placed third in the Group One WA Derby in Perth.

Spacecraft's winning trainer Danny O'Brien said the progressive staying talent would head to Moonee Valley next to contest the AAMI Vase prior to hopefully lining up in Victoria's blue riband.

"It was a good effort today," O'Brien commented. "He had to chase a hot speed and was left in front a long way from home."

"We probably got headed by the second horse and he still had enough stamina to kick back and win."

Connections have always had a healthy opinion of the colt, a Magic Millions Yearling Sale purchase.

"He's a lightly raced colt who we've got an opinion of," O'Brien said of the winner.

"We'll head to the Vase and see what he does then."

O'Brien said one of the best things about Spacecraft was his ability to hold a handy position to the leaders and then sprint when required over the concluding stages.

"He lands in a good position without any effort and he travels kindly."

In a driving finish Spacecraft ($4.20-$5-$4.60) had a half head to spare over King Diamond ($8-$10), while Don Jose ($4.20-$6) was another long neck back in third place.

Senior part owner Peter Caporn purchased Spacecraft for $85,000 from the draft of Racetree at the 2008 Magic Millions Yearling Sale at the Gold Coast.

By the sire of last weekend's international Group One winner Rip Van Winkle in Galileo, Spacecraft is one of four winners winners from as many runners for Demanding.

A twice Perth winning daughter of Octagonal, Demanding is best known as the dam of the multiple stakes winning and Derby placed Perth star Phenomenons.

Another of the mare's good performers, the Giant's Causeway filly Cause for Demand, was fourth in group three and listed company.

Racetree have a half sister to Spacecraft heading to January's Magic Millions Yearling Sale at the Gold Coast.

The well bred youngster is by Racetree's exciting young freshman sire Hotel Grand.

Picture - Fiona Tomlin

Magic Millions Media Release Published 14/10/09