Speed machine Definitely Ready returned to his best form with a flying victory in the 55 Second Challenge (955m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night.

Definitely Ready (5g More Than Ready – Defiant by Danehill) had been sent back to the trials after being tailed off behind Kulgrinda at the Valley in August.  Resuming after a six week break, he shook off Canberra cut-throat Zaratone and then held off long-shots Rocking Force and Caplamp.

Trainer Mark Kavanagh bought him from Mill Park for $140,000 at the 2008 Gold Coast Magic Millions.  Kavanagh has a superb record with Mill Park graduates following Group 1 winners Divine Madonna, Devil Moon and Undoubtedly.

Definitely Ready had won by seven lengths on debut at Morphettville and then crossed the border to smash the Sandown Hillside 1000 metre record in 55.07 seconds.

Beaten just once in his first six starts, Definitely Ready has overcome breathing problem in the last twelve months to get back in the winning groove.  “He’s deceptive because he’s got such a big stride,” jockey Michael Rodd said.  “You don’t think he’s going so fast.”

Definitely Ready is by Vinery champion More Than Ready from a city winning daughter of G1 Newmarket Handicap winner Ruffles.  His dam Defiant delivered a Sebring filly on September 13.

Definitely Ready clocked 56.68 seconds on a Slow 6 to win the first heat of 55 Second Challenge.  Bel Esprit mare La Bella Roo was the fastest of 18 heats in last season’s Challenge.  She was timed at 55.48s on New Year’s Eve.