The well-bred Excellent Art colt Correggio took his first race victory last Friday at Cranbourne for trainer Peter Moody over 2080 metres and holds a nomination for the Group 1 VRC Derby.

The colt has proven a picture of consistency in his five career starts, never finishing further back than third. Running third on debut at two, Correggio has been competitive at every start this season with his two second placings seeing him finish within half-a-length of the winner.

With his maiden victory coming at a distance of 2080 metres, the three-year-old has proven he can cover ground and looms as a potential Group 1 VRC Derby candidate having been nominated for the race on November 3.

Correggio was the third top lot at the 2011 Karaka Select Sale when purchased by Tom Magnier/BBA Ireland from Pencarrow Stud for $250,000.

Bred by Peter and Philip Vela, Correggio is a half-brother to the Pencarrow bred Group 2 Rich Hill Mile winner Fears Nothing (Faltaat). His dam is the English bred Sadler’s Wells mare Magical Moment, a daughter of the Group 2 winning mare Interval (Habitat) and a sister to the stakes winning mare Short Pause and a half-sister to the stakes winner Cheyenne Dream (Dancing Brave).

Magical Moment produced a colt by Darci Brahma last season and was covered by him again last year.