The Stefan Vahala trained Aztec Ruler will step up to tackle the $1.5 million Gold Rush for the second time at Ascot on Saturday.
The locally trained Universal Ruler gelding finished seventh in the Gold Rush last year, coming home just 2.32 lengths behind the winner Western Empire when chasing from a very wide barrier draw at odds of $61.
The number four barrier draw this year already puts him in a better position to launch his challenge than he found himself in last year, but the odds-makers are not convinced that will be enough to change his fortunes in this highly competitive challenge with Aztec Ruler again marked up at long odds … this time at $51.
“To be fair, I think he is going better than last year,” offered Vahala, talking to Racing WA. “Last year he was running similar races, but with a lot less weight. Now he is carrying weight and putting in performances.”
Aztec Ruler warmed up nicely enough for Saturday’s assignment when finishing second to Cosmic Crusader in the Carbine Club over the Gold Rush track and distance, albeit being beaten by 2.59 lengths.
“We happy with him. He never runs a bad race, so he’ll be there. He’s sort of at peak fitness now.… we just need a bit of luck to go our way.”
An added plus to Aztec Ruler’s chances is the fact that Chris Parnham, who has partnered the six-year-old in six of his seven career victories to date, has opted to take the ride.
‘I was pretty rapt,” said Vahala. “I was driving home from Bunbury on Sunday when I got the message that Chris was going to stick with us.
“He rides him amazingly … gets along with him really well … and, yeah, I think he just gives us every chance.”
Aztec Rulers is the $51 outside chance with swiftbet to win The Gold Rush.