Trainer David Payne has high hopes for Winter King in Saturday’s Group 3 Concorde Stakes at Warwick Farm.

Winter King has finished second in his past two races starts by the smallest of margins.

“It’s just been a bob of the head,” Payne said.

“He is a very honest horse.”

Winter King has not won a race for over 12 months, and Payne is hopeful that the Concorde Stakes will see the five-year-old back in the winner’s circle.

“I think he’s more mature now and he’s getting a bit further (distance) in his races,” Payne said.

“He has drawn well (one) and it’s a small field which will suit him.”

Stablemate Master Of Design has been removed from the field due to the race being switched to Warwick Farm from Randwick.

The race meet location was changed when Randwick’s QEII grandstand being deemed unsafe due to a structurally unsound beam.

“I’ve taken three (horses) out,” Payne said.

“Warwick Farm doesn’t suit those horses so they will run next week at Rosehill.”