Payne confident he's played his cards right with Ace High

4.50am Saturday, Flemington
AAMI Victoria Derby | 1m4½f | Group 1 | 3yo

Nine races, four Group 1s including one Derby, two Group 2s, three Group 3s. The Melbourne Cup might stop a nation on Tuesday but Saturday will certainly whet the appetite for it.

A field of 17 will enter the stalls chasing a winner's cheque for £526,316 in the Victoria Derby and Hugh Bowman believes his mount Sully has a serious chance of scooping the lucrative pot.

Bowman said: "Sully is a great ride to get in the race and I have to admit I was thrilled to get the call-up. He's a top three-year-old who has enjoyed a really good year and hopefully that will continue on Saturday. It looks a wide-open race."

The current favourite for the race is Ace High from the David Payne stable following his recent wins in the Gloaming Stakes and Spring Champion Stakes, and his trainer is hopeful of another big run after getting drawn nicely in stall three.

Payne said: "He has taken every step in his career and I think he'll be at his best over this trip, and to get here as favourite shows we have got it right. Everything has gone right until now and we are very happy with where he is."

Footy fans in Australia will be hoping that Main Stage can score as he is owned by the Dustys Boys syndicate which includes Richmond star Dustin Martin.

If you liked this, you should read:

Bowman expecting big run from Marmelo

Can British raiders end 156-year Cup hoodoo?

Qewy digs deep to land Bendigo Cup