Sangster wins Victoria Derby

Sangster edged out Induna to win the prestigious Victoria Derby on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington.

Trent Busuttin's gelding went early and held off Induna, who was unlucky when pushed wide in-running.

Sangster had plenty in reserve to see out the 2500m trip and to hand jockey Hugh Bowman a second successive win in the race.

Bowman won the Group One contest last year with Lion Tamer and his success aboard Sangster makes him the first jockey since Roy Higgins in 1973 to win back-to-back Victoria Derbys.

"It's a terrific thrill. This is the cream of the crop when it comes to racing in Australia and I feel pretty honoured to win it for the past two years now," Bowman said.

"I was three wide with cover but I was happy to be there. I kept a bit in the tank and I was very concerned the last 50 [metres] because he was having a look around ... but he got home for me."

Manawanui, winner of the Vase at Moonee Valley, couldn't justify ante-post favouritism as the gelding failed to see out the trip.