A Group 1 engagement is looming for Ace High who is set to take up the running in the Group 3 $200,000 James Boag’s Premium Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Tye Angland, above, rides Ace High in the Gloaming Stakes at Rosehill. Photo by Daniel Costello.

Tye Angland, above, rides Ace High in the Gloaming Stakes at Rosehill. Photo by Daniel Costello.

Trainer David Payne advised racing New South Wales Stewards today that Ace high would be ridden more forward and possibly lead as he steps up to the 1800m for the first time on the weekend.

Racing New South Stewards released the following statement on the Racing New South Wales website confirming Payne’s intention.

“Please note connections of ACE HIGH (Race 6, No.2 at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday 23rd September) have advised a change of tactics with Ace High to be ridden more forward and possibly lead.”

Ace High is coming off a last start fifth to Gold Standard in the Group 2 $200,000 Kari Stan Fox Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on September 9 and Payne expects the High Chaparral colt to excel as he steps up in distance.

A bold showing in the Gloaming Stakes could see Ace High progress to Group 1 level and take his place in the $500,000 Moet & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on October 7.

“He’s always been looking for the trip,’’ Payne told the Racing New South Wales News Desk.

“He’s spot on now, those last two lead up runs have brought him on and we’ve done quite a bit of work in between.’’

“He’ll be ridden more forward once he gets over distance. He just can’t go with them over the shorter trips so he will be closer for sure.’’

Tye Angland again takes the ride on Ace High who drew barrier nine in the Gloaming Stakes and Payne will also saddle up Colesberg who will jump from the outside gate in the eleven horse field with Tim Clark in the saddle.

Ace High is marked at $9 for the Gloaming Stakes at Ladbrokes.com.au while Colesberg is listed as a $41 chance following his last start sixth in the Stan Fox Stakes.

The James Cummings trained Astoria heads the market order at $2.70 ahead of his stablemate Sanctioned at $3.50 and Victorian three year old Sully at $8.50.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.