Master trainer Bart Cummings says Cosmonaut might be a surprise packet in the Victoria Derby but wide draws are against both him and stablemate Kudakulari in Saturday's AAMI Vase at Moonee Valley.Cosmonaut drew the outside gate, 15, and Kudakulari has barrier 13 in the Group Two 2040m event.Cummings has won the AAMI Vase three times - with Zamoff (1989), Alfa (1996) and Ustinov (2001) - but none of that trio went on to win the Derby, a race he has won five times, the latest with Omnicorp (1987).

Master trainer Bart Cummings says Cosmonaut might be a surprise packet in the Victoria Derby but wide draws are against both him and stablemate Kudakulari in Saturday's AAMI Vase at Moonee Valley.

Cosmonaut drew the outside gate, 15, and Kudakulari has barrier 13 in the Group Two 2040m event.

Cummings has won the AAMI Vase three times - with Zamoff (1989), Alfa (1996) and Ustinov (2001) - but none of that trio went on to win the Derby, a race he has won five times, the latest with Omnicorp (1987).

Both Cosmonaut and Kudakulari came through the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) finishing seventh and 14th respectively to Anacheeva.

Kudakulari, by Savabeel who won the 2004 Cox Plate as a three-year-old, won the Listed Fernhill Hcp (1600m) at Randwick at his third start in April.

Starcraft colt Cosmonaut is in his initial racing preparation and is yet to run a place in four starts.

"I've had better (Derby horses) but they're going okay," Cummings said.

"Cosmonaut might be a surprise packet."

Michael Rodd, who rode Cosmonaut for the first time in the Guineas, believes the colt has a task from the wide draw.

"I'm just hoping for a good Derby trial. He's drawn pretty ordinary in the outside barrier," Rodd said.

"Hopefully I can get him to settle and he can finish off.

"He's a beautiful horse, an absolute stunner, so on type he looks the goods and hopefully he can live up to it on race day."

Steven Arnold has ridden Kudakulari at his past two outings and is looking for an improvement from him on Saturday.

"He was a little bit disappointing in the Guineas. He drew wide and we went back. I thought he might have finished a few lengths better," he said.

"Up to the 2040 metres should suit him. He's drawn a bit awkwardly again and we'll probably have to go a bit quiet again but I'm really looking for an improved run from him."

All Vase runners are still in the Victoria Derby except for Bill Stutt Stakes winner Hollowlea, Tale Of Thunder and Gibson Carmichael Stakes winner Precious Lorraine who is heading towards the VRC Oaks (2500m) at Flemington on November 4.

The Jim Conlan-trained Rekindled Interest is favourite at $4.20 with TAB Sportsbet ahead of Smokin' Joey ($4.50), Bullbars ($6.50) and Shadows In The Sun at $9 with Hollowlea next best at $12.

Cosmonaut is at $14 while Kudakulari is a $16 chance.