Stefan Vahala has high hopes of landing an interstate double on Saturday when he starts Aztec Ruler in the Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap (1400m) in Melbourne and Ice Pick Nick in the Bunbury Stakes (1400m).
Aztec Ruler, Stefan Vahala’s stable flagbearer, who gave him his first black-type win as a trainer in last year’s Bunbury Stakes, is primed for another big assault at Flemington, a track that the five-year-old has shown a liking for.
Aztec Ruler ran a bolter at Flemington first-up when a close second in the Group 3 Standish (1200m) and last start occupied the same runner-up placing when running on stoutly in the Listed Elms Handicap (1400m).
Aztec Ruler, who ran a flat fourth in his only other Melbourne appearance at Sandown, can become the second Perth horse in four years to win the Shaftesbury Handicap after Kissonallforcheeks was successful in 2022.
Vahala said Aztec Ruler has done very well since his previous run three weeks ago and he’s optimistic the Universal Ruler gelding can leave Melbourne and his maiden interstate foray on a successful winning high.
“He’s done very well, he had a few days in the paddock and had a couple of gallops since,” Vahala said on Tabradio.
“His gallop yesterday (Tuesday) was really good and really happy with him.
“Last run was meant to be his last run, but he ran so well and pulled up so well we decided to go around one more.
“He’ll head for the paddock and get ready for the Ascot summer carnival after a long spell.”
Vahala says Aztec Ruler’s competitive efforts in Melbourne has come as a welcome surprise and a win would validate his decision to race him interstate.
The dual stakes winner has always shown above average ability but is now displaying a lot more durability after niggly feet issues hampered his career early on.
From a nervy, flighty horse, Vahala is proud how Aztec Ruler has confidently adapted to his first trip away from home.
“Just the way he’s handled everything,” Vahala said.
“Before it was even a hassle just floating him.
“To handle all this and perform as well as he has, it’s exceeded expectations.”
Aztec Ruler’s chances were cruelled somewhat after drawing barrier 10, the second widest gate.
Damian Lane has been booked for the ride, taking over from William Pike, who remains home to partner classy four-year-old Watch Me Rock in the Bunbury Stakes.
From the powerful Grant and Alana Williams set up, Watch Me Rock made an outstanding return a fortnight ago, boosting his already impressive strike rate to six wins, four seconds and a third from 12 race starts.
The Awesome Rock gelding looms as a major adversary to Ice Pick Nick, who has been a great acquisition for Vahala after crossing from Dan Morton’s camp.
The former eastern stater has scored two wins and two seconds for his new base and last start flew home from a long way back for fourth in an on pace dominated and influenced Pinjarra Classic (1300m).
“He came through the run amazing and didn’t get much luck,” Vahala said.
“He pulled up super and his work yesterday (Tuesday) was very good.
“He goes into the race as good as he could possibly be going.
“He’s just a legend and gives you 110 per cent every time he steps out.
“He’s honest as the day is long.”
With Steven Parnham’s foot injury ruling him out, Vahala has called on master pick up specialist Shaun O’Donnell to ride Ice Pick Nick.
In a small field of eight, Ice Pick Nick and O’Donnell combine from gate one.
