Aztec Ruler to bypass Ascot carnival

Trainer Stefan Vahala has all but ruled out the Ascot Pinnacles carnival for Aztec Ruler, deciding to extend the quality four-year-old’s winter campaign instead.

Stefan Vahala has been weighing up his options since Aztec Ruler’s dominant win on Saturday, but says the summer carnival may not be the best option for the gelding.

“I think I’ve run out of time for the carnival,” Vahala told The Races WA.

“I think a better option is next year in the autumn, some of those bigger races then.

“He’s only a lightly-raced four-year-old and I’m taking a cautious approach.

“If I look after him now, I’m sure he will pay us back in time.

“He might have one or two more runs this preparation before going out.”

Aztec Ruler will miss the Pinnacles carnival for the second time after a series of minor niggly complaints kept him out of feature three-year-old races last season.

At Belmont last Saturday he gave followers a gentle reminder of what he is capable of with a spectacular win in a 1400m ratings race.

After a couple of close seconds previously, the son of Universal Ruler displayed a sizzling turn of foot from the back of the field and bolted in by three lengths.

Post-race talk focused on a potential trip to Kalgoorlie for the Hannans Handicap (1400m) in October, but Vahala has dismissed that option.

“There was some talk after the race about Kalgoorlie, but he won’t be going there,” Vahala said.

“He’s a terrible floater and I don’t want to risk any injury.”

Meanwhile at Belmont on Saturday Vahala is looking for further improvement from French import Soldanelle in a 1600m graduation handicap.

Having her first start in Australia two weeks back, the daughter of Siyouni worked home strongly for fourth behind Pompey, beaten three lengths.

“She’s come through the run in great order,” Vahala said.

“She should be running a very good race.”