Ace High dealt new plan for Derby

David Payne will employ a conservative race plan with Ace High in the Victoria Derby.

Ace High gave the Rosehill trainer his first Group One win since 2014 with a front-running performance in the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) on October 7.

But when Ace High steps up to 2500 metres for the first time at Flemington on Saturday, Payne will instruct Tye Angland not to lead.

“We won’t lead this time. We’ll let three or four lead us,” Payne said.

Although Ace High steps up in distance in a high pressure situation Payne is confident he can go back-to-back at Group One level.

“He should stay all day on his breeding,” Payne said.

Raced by long-time stable client John Cordina, Ace High is by Epsom Derby winner High Chaparral, the sire of 2006 Victoria Derby winner Monaco Consul and two Australian Derby winners Shoot Out (2006) and It’s A Dundeel (2009) who both won the Spring Champion Stakes.

He also produced champion So You Think, the winner of 10 Group One races in both hemispheres.

Angland, who has ridden Ace High in his past three starts, is also relaxed about his assignment.

“He puts in every time and he’s got a bit of class about him,” he said.

“It will be enjoyable to see how levels up with those horses down there.

“The way he’s performed his last two starts he’s really put his name there,” Angland said.

Following the withdrawals of Royal Symphony and Cliff’s Edge, Ace High has been promoted to $4 favourtism.

Payne gave Ace High a race day gallop at Randwick on October 21 and a serious left-handed work-out at Rosehill on Saturday.