Last year's runner-up back for another crack at Standish Handicap.
Stefan Vahala suspects the task confronting Aztec Ruler in this year’s Standish Handicap is greater than 12 months ago, but the trainer is optimistic his stable star is well-placed to rise to the challenge.
The Perth gelding is back, aiming to go one better than last year, when beaten a head by Flemington specialist It’Sourtime in the $200,000 Group 3.
Vahala is convinced Aztec Ruler gets to this year’s 1200-metre race in better shape than 2025 and he has less weight, but Vahala knows the reason for that.
“He’s going better than last year, but I think unfortunately the field’s a bit stronger than last year,” he said.
“My bloke’s definitely going better than ever, though, so we’re looking forward to it.”
Aztec Ruler finished second under 59kg in last year’s Standish Handicap but drops to 57.5kg on Saturday – the same weight as Christmas Stakes winner Hedged – with Group 1 placegetter Maharba (60kg), Lim’s Kosciuszko (59kg) and Aviatress (58kg) among the other rivals.
The son of Universal Ruler turned in a similar performance to last year at his final Standish lead-up, finishing sixth in the Group 3 Gold Rush (1400m) – a race he finished seventh in a year prior – but it was the start prior that convinced Vahala to return to Victoria.
Although unable to defend his Listed Carbine Club Stakes title on November 22, it took subsequent Group 1 Northerly Stakes winner Cosmic Crusader to beat him.
“His last run, he was ridden against his pattern and he got tired the last 150, but he put himself in the race and was really strong until that 150, whereas in previous preps if he’d have been ridden like that, he would have really dropped out,” Vahala said.
“His run before that, running second to probably WA’s best horse in Cosmic Crusader, that was a big run as well. So without winning, he’s been very good.”
Aztec Ruler drew barrier six in Saturday’s field of 12, which Vahala was happy with and he is excited about seeing him up the straight again after the benefit of last year’s experience.
“I think he enjoys the straight, it really suits him,” he said.
“He can really get into a rhythm and then let down that last 300, which is sort of his racing pattern.
“He travelled in Mondy night, he settled in beautifully, and I think that extra 12 months and that previous travel has definitely helped him.”
Top WA jockey Chris Parnham has ridden Aztec Ruler at his past two starts and will jet in for the Standish Handicap ride.
