Ciaron Maher’s Saint Emilion could be Victoria Derby-bound after causing a minor boilover in his first Victorian run, holding the favourites at bay in the 2200-metre Geelong Classic on Wednesday.

An $8.50 opening quote was disregarded by the market and the Dynamic Syndications-owned runner jumped as a $14 chance, with Julius Sandhu’s Oxford Blue ($4.60 into $2.15 favouritism) all the rage.

But that runner was off the bit before the corner and El Paso ($26) and Hot Too Go ($4.20) looked the biggest chances as they turned.

However, Mark Zahra had long since got to work moving Saint Emilion through the field, saving plenty of ground in the process, and the pair went from last to a looming fourth on straightening.

Hot Too Go, Oxford Blue and El Paso fought out the minors, separated by just half a head in that order, but they were no match for Maher’s colt, who left his rivals in his wake and staked his Derby claims up in trip.

WATCH: Saint Emilion’s win

“With these races you can step up fairly quickly, as this horse has … we might even go on to the Derby now,” Maher said post-race.

“Just (needed) a bit of racing – I was just saying to the lads, Explosive Jack, he actually got beat at Goulburn before he won a couple of Derbies. This one won!

“Hopefully the form can repeat. He’s still furnishing … beautiful ride from Mark. He just let the speed go and you could see him building in confidence throughout the run.”

WATCH: Hear from Maher

Maher credited renowned equine chiropractor Brendan McCarthy for his work with Saint Emilion leading up to the race.

“Brendan McCarthy, our chiropractor, he had a look at him when he first came down and he was out, he was feeling a hammy,” Maher said.

“He’s done a fair bit of work with him and I think that’s sort of the key. You can see how well he looks.”