Paul Messara has outlined Australian Derby ambitions for Warwick Farm winner Vadashan but has ruled out the Lightning Stakes for established star Ortensia.

The triple Group One-winning sprinter was scheduled to take on Black Caviar in next week's feature sprint at Flemington but her trainer said she would now go to the Oakleigh Plate a week later.

"The Lightning is two weeks too early for her," Messara said.

"We'll aim at the Oakleigh Plate instead."

Ortensia won the Al Quoz Sprint at last year's Dubai World Cup meeting and claimed the Nunthorpe Stakes in England during her last preparation.

She finished second to Mrs Onassis in a barrier trial during the week and will line up against the winner at Caulfield in two weeks.

Vadashan, meanwhile, will follow a traditional path towards the Australian Derby (2400m) in April after scoring his second win from two starts.

The colt is by Redoute's Choice out of Vadsalina, a mare owned by the Aga Khan.

Messara trains most of his horses for his father John's Arrowfield Stud which stands Redoute's Choice who is serving a season at the Aga Khan's stud in France.

"Vadashan is bred to get the Derby distance and is headed that way," Messara said.

"He is a lovely horse and has handled everything so far in which is his first racing preparation."

Starting at $13 in the Facebook.com/Sydney Carnival Handicap (1600m), Vadashan was ridden a heady race by Christian Reith who stuck to the fence and made a late run at the leaders.

Unimpeachable ($7) finished a half length second with General Groove ($14) making ground late to finish another two lengths away third.

That's A Good Idea ($3.60 fav) wound up fifth after carting the field into the straight.

The $1.5 million Australian Derby (2400m) is at Randwick on April 13.