Enigmatic sprinter Definitely Ready won for the first time since April 2010 by claiming the first heat of this season’s $55,000 55 Second Challenge Series (955m) at Moonee Valley.

Completing the journey in 56.6 seconds, Definitely Ready found the front from barrier two comfortably with Zaratone parked outside the leader.

Trained by Mark Kavanagh and ridden by Michael Rodd, Definitely Ready ($5) defeated Rocking Force ($16) with Caplamp ($19) finishing third, a half length away from the winner.

Definitely Ready resumed with a second behind Warm Love but then failed miserably in the Listed Spring Preview Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley last start.

Kavanagh suggested there were excuses for that poor performance from the son of More Than Ready who had a wind operation at the start of the year.

“Believe it or not, he had an ulcer in the back of his throat dislodge his soft palate which made him choke last start,” Kavanagh said.

“We were of the belief that his wind operation had re-collapsed, but that wasn't to be.

It's pretty satisfying for a trainer to get a horse back from being hopeless last start to being in form like he is today,” he added.

Rodd suggested his chances were bolstered by holding the inside from Zaratone.

“That grey horse from Canberra (Zaratone) is very, very quick,” Rodd said.

“I've seen him in the past, and I was worried he was going to really try and cross me. I was able to kick up and hold a spot there.

“I'm just really thrilled for the owners, a great bunch of owners, and for the stable.

“He's been a bit of a headache of late, he's been very frustrating.

“Horses with wind problems, they come and they go, but they've fixed him up now and hopefully he can continue on,” he added.

Definitely Ready has now raced 12 times for six wins and a second placing with prizemoney now beyond the $200,000 mark.

Pictures: Fiona Tomlin