Trainer Peter Gelagotis has known for a couple of years his lightly-raced galloper Mourinho was a good horse, and he didn't mind spreading the word.

And when it won at Moonee Valley on Saturday, he spread it louder and further.

A leaping, screaming Gelagotis could barely contain himself when Mourinho ($8) reached the line a long neck in front in the Drummond Golf Handicap (2040m.)

"I've given this horse such a big rap to anyone who would listen," Gelagotis said.

"I just hope they took some notice."

Mourinho's win came a week after Gelagotis and his brother Manny produced their Derby hope Hvasstan to score at Caulfield and barely two weeks after they buried their father Mick.

While last week's win was accompanied by tears, this one was pure joy.

"The old man's spirit is shining on us," Gelagotis said.

"I just hope it keeps on for the Derby next week."

The five-year-old Mourinho was having only his 12th start at the Valley, due largely to leg problems the brothers corrected over winter.

But in his first two runs back he performed dismally, hanging badly and racing "as though he was scared".

"He got very timid, he just needed some help," Gelagotis said.

"But now he's going somewhere."

Some intensive work corrected that problem and Mourinho indicated he was on the way back when second at Caulfield two weeks ago.

With jockey Hugh Bowman rating him well in front, Mourinho fought off several challenges to beat the favourite Midnight Martini ($2.45) who finished a length clear of third placegetter Destiny's Kiss ($4.40).

Hvasstan is the second favourite for next Saturday's Victoria Derby.