While neither of them won, perhaps this year's winner Light Vision might continue the trend.

Light Vision is closely related to Cyberhorse Racing Club horses Volavia and "Frances".

Racing first up for 70 days after a win over 2000m at Flemington in June, Light Vision ($5.00-$6.50) was taken straight to the lead in today's race by rider Ben Melham and dictated the pace throughout.

In the straight Light Vision ($5.00-$6.50) went further in front, winning by 4¼ lengths from Cat's Fun ($15-$26) which ran on well, with a half neck to Encroacher ($9-$12).

Today's win was not expected by winning trainer Robert Smerdon.

"To do what he did today is a bit of a surprise, but a good surprise", he said with a grin.

"It was above my expectation because after he won at Flemington we gave him a short break."

"He only had 3 weeks off, obviously looking to longer races."

With the Spring's big staying races in mind, Smerdon viewed today's race as more of an educational exercise, hoping to teach Light Vision to take a more forward position in his races.

"I said to Ben give him a good warmup and make sure he's on the go in the gates because he can flop out and be out the back", said Smerdon.

"When he gets up to his right distance it gets too hard to win from those backward positions."

Light Vision winning his educational race was not the only surprise for Smerdon.

 "I told Ben to be positive and thought he would race handy but I was as surprised as anybody to see him lead."

Smerdon was also impressed with the way Light Vision quickened in the straight to win so easily.

"He did quicken off them good so it was very positive", he said.

After beating the promising Behold at Flemington in early June, Smerdon suggested that he would freshen up Light Vision with a view to contesting some of the lower class staying races in the Spring.

However Smerdon took the precaution of entering the Zerpour gelding in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups as well.

"He's in those sort of things and he certainly justifies the entry fee at this stage", Smerdon said.

His run today was noticed by the bookmakers too, with Eskander's Betstar shortening Light Vision from $81 to $67 for both Cups.

By staying sire Zerpour, Light Vision hails from a strong staying family with a fair bit of speed as well.

His third dam Astro Hit produced Mr Brooker which ran third in a Melbourne Cup and the family also produced Mahtoum, a Sydney Cup winner.

Chinchilla Rose, Ferocity and Leone Chiara also come from this family.

Photos: Quentin Lang