The David Payne-trained Ace High raced his way to favouritism for the Group I Spring Champion Stakes with a courageous win in the $200,000 Gloaming Stakes at Rosehill, however it was the ride of Tye Angland which took centre stage.
Previously the son of High Chapparal had raced on the speed, without leading, but an apparent lack of tempo in pre-race maps resulted in the decision to push on from a wide barrier and take up the vanguard in Saturday's Group III event.
Despite a mid-race attack from $51 chance All Day it was Angland dictating in front which eventually won the day.
He looked to have the race under control from the start running moderate sectionals for the first half of the 1800m contest, however, the All Day attack really exposed the colt.
"I thought I had an easy enough time in front, I knew I was going to get attacked but when Tommy (aboard All Day) came at me it really picked my horse up because when he got to the front he really switched off," Angland said.
"It probably helped me (All Day attacking), it got the bit back in his mouth. When I got to the corner I let him slide, gave him a good dig, and he responded well."
After All Day started to weaken Angland let rip on Ace High, but the door for second favourite Sanctioned ($3.60) to find clear air opened after a perfect run behind the speed.
Yet, after having every chance in the run, the James Cummings trained galloper couldn't run down the eventual winner who was without doubt clearly left with all honours.
After the pesky All Day started to drop off Angland could see Sanctioned coming, but remained confident aboard the winner;
"To his credit when Hugh (aboard Sanctioned) came at me my fellow just kept fighting. It was a good solid win," he said.
"He's pretty confident within himself so this win should really bring him right on."
In the end Ace High easily held Sanctioned to win by 1.3 lengths with four lengths to $21 chance Coral Coast, who fought on courageously for third, just in front of Victorian raider Sully ($8).
James Cummings number one-seed, the favourite Astoria ($3.30), was given every chance by Josh Parr but failed to impress, plodding to the line fifth, seven lengths from the winner.
Following his courageous win, Ace High was posted as a $5 favourite with Sportsbet for the Spring Champion Stakes on October 7 with Sanctioned a $5.50 second favourite.
