Stefan Vahala all smiles again

Amidst the gloomy weather conditions at Belmont trials on Tuesday, there was a ray of sunshine for Ascot trainer Stefan Vahala.

After months of frustration, Aztec Ruler offered Stefan Vahala an encouraging winter preview with a strong barrier trial effort.

Aztec Ruler finished a close third to Major Mario and Success Play, running on strongly under no pressure for jockey Steven Parnham.

Vahala is keen to get Aztec Ruler back at the races and make up for lost time after last year’s Ascot Pinnacles carnival was stymied.

Vahala hoped to see his smart gelding run in feature three-year-old races, but feet and knee complaints put paid to those aspirations.

Those injuries first surfaced after his fourth placing to Street Parade when first-up in a 1000m event at Ascot six months ago.

It was Aztec Ruler’s first defeat after he burst onto the scene with two impressive victories at Belmont last July.

“He has come back better than ever,” Vahala told The Races WA.

“It was good to see as obviously he had a couple of mishaps.

“He had a foot abscess then got a septic knee when he went to the paddock which needed surgery to clear out.

“But it’s all good now and we are on top of his feet issues.

“He felt amazing today and just needs one more hit out.

“He came through it really well and that’s a big tick.

“He’s work at home had been super and he is sound as a bell.

“Steven (Parnham ) and I are pretty happy people and he’s a happy horse.

“He’s ready to go to the races and the first of July is the aim.

“We can go full steam ahead now.”