Racing: Colt right for Price

Tarzino and jockey Craig Newitt. GETTY IMAGES

Trainer Mick Price's Victoria Derby drought has ended with Tarzino giving his rivals a staying lesson in the $1.5 million race.

A clear-cut favourite, Tarzino settled midfield before starting his run at the 800m and joining the leaders on the turn.

The colt, the subject of a seven-figure offer from Hong Kong interests in the lead-up to Saturday's race, took control at the 400m and the result was never in doubt from the 200m.

Etymology claimed second with West Australian three-year-old Kia Ora Koutou taking the minor placing.

Price's best previous Derby result was a second with Kempinsky in 2003 and he admitted he was a nervous spectator as Tarzino reached the lead.

"At the top of the straight he was the one you wanted to be on but he was going to hit the front too early," Price said.

"It was a long way up the straight. I was looking for the post but he was too strong."

Newitt broke a frustrating run of outs in winning the classic.

"He's just an out-and-out stayer who has got class written all over him and he just gave me the perfect ride today," Newitt said.

The Derby was run at a strong gallop with the outsider Iron Boss taking up the lead role from Shards.

Tarzino was eighth in the running line with Etymology making his bid to the winner's inside while Kia Ora Koutou was shuffled out when the field bunched.

Newitt allowed Tarzino to cruise up to the weakening leaders and he quickly put a two-length margin on the runner-up and held his advantage to the finishing post.