Flemington trainer Nick Ryan chasing elusive Group 1 in Victoria Derby with Red Aces

Winning a Group 1 has eluded Nick Ryan as a jockey and trainer, so it would be extra special if he can win the Victoria Derby at his home track on Saturday.

Nick Ryan has been dealt a tough hand in the Group 1 stakes – as a trainer and jockey – but all could be forgotten Saturday with Red Aces in the Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington.

Red Aces last Saturday gave Ryan, who rode more than 500 winners before weight halted a burgeoning career in the saddle, his 200th success as a trainer.

Red Aces is $7 with Ladbrokes in the Victoria Derby to hand Ryan a breakthrough Group 1.

Ryan has been denied twice in elite company, as a trainer, by less than a long neck margin combined, and placed on seven occasions riding at the highest level.

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“I’ve been chasing it a while (Group 1), it would be pretty special to do it on Derby Day on the home deck,” Ryan said.

“Something that’s eluded me my whole life, through being a jockey and trainer. I’ve come awfully close, we’re knocking on the door.”

Red Aces absorbed interference at the top of the straight and dug deep to win the Moonee Valley Vase (1800m) last Saturday in a muddling-run race.

“He’s had a really good week since then, bounced out of the run, everything touchwood has gone really smooth,” Ryan said.

“We’re really happy with the horse, he’s worked well this week and we couldn’t have him in better order.”

Nick Ryan with Derby contender Red Aces at his Flemington stables. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

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Red Aces recovered at the beach last Sunday and completed a piece of work on Tuesday.

The classy Dundeel colt emerged as a Victoria Derby prospect in July with victory in the Byerley Handicap (1800m).

He stretched the legs first-up as a three-year-old in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) and then finished second in the Super Impose Stakes (1800m).

Red Aces missed a run in the Caulfield Classic, scratched at the barriers, but rebounded in the Group 2 Vase (2040m).

“It’s been pretty smooth sailing towards the Derby, going back two weeks he was a late scratching at Caulfield, apart from that everything has gone to plan,” Ryan said.

“He looks like he’s going relish the step up (in grade and distance), the best is yet to come.

“First time we’re going to see him beyond 2000m and he should really relish the 2500m.

“A blessing in disguise somewhat the scratching at Caulfield … the seven day backup I think is really going to hold him in good stead this Saturday, particularly out to the Derby trip.”

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Ryan welcomed the prospect of a capacity 16-horse field and genuine tempo on Saturday.

“Most of the lead ups have been slowly run,” Ryan said.

“If we can get some speed on I think he’ll be really strong.

“He’s ticked every box you want to see as a trainer backing up and particularly going into a big race … we can’t get him much fitter.

“I’ve seen everything I’ve wanted to see on a seven-day back-up.”

Originally published as Flemington trainer Nick Ryan chasing elusive Group 1 in Victoria Derby with Red Aces