The Lindsay Park team of Ben, Will and J D Hayes have always held lightly raced galloper Aztec State in high regard.
But for a number of niggling issues, the rising five-year-old will be lining up for just his tenth start when he contests the Ray Poter’s 90th Celebration Classic (1600m) at Sandown on Saturday.
Aztec State registered his three career victories during his three-year-old season, including a 1500m maiden win at Bendigo on debut, but will be having his first run as a four-year-old on Saturday.
The last time Aztec State raced was when successful over 2000m at Flemington on June 22 last year, after which he was given a freshen up for a spring campaign.
But after one trial, in which he was successful over 1100m at Kilmore, Aztec State was again consigned to the spelling paddock.
After a slow build-up, a jump-out and two trials, Aztec State makes his reappearance on Saturday with Daniel Stackhouse in the saddle for the first time.
Aztec State’s most recent trial was at Wodonga on May 26 over 1200m where he accounted for stablemate Saxon King.
“He’s a horse that we’ve always had trouble with niggling issues that have needed to be managed,” Hayes said.
“But he’s an exciting horse that has a lot of ability.
“He’s a horse that we have a lot of time for but he’s also coming back from a long break, so we’ll have to watch and see how he runs on Saturday.
“He’s had three trials, and this race will bring him on fitness wise, but hopefully he’s hitting the line strongly and then we can step him up in trip next time.
“But if he comes back and shows some of his old form, he’ll be very competitive.”
