Aztec Ruler set to contest Cyril Flower Stakes
Stefan Vahala hopes adopting a patient strategy can begin to pay off both now and later in the year.
The now arrives as soon as Saturday, (weather permitting) in the Cyril Flower Stakes (1200m) at Ascot, Aztec Ruler’s first crack at Listed company.
If that plan comes to fruition first-up and his campaign to follow, Vahala will set sights on Aztec Ruler contesting rich Ascot carnival events in six months’ time.
Aztec Ruler was carnival bound two years ago, but suffered an injury setback and last year was fast tracking to the Pinnacles again before Vahala took a conservative approach.
The classy son of Universal Ruler won three races, ran second three times and didn’t finish below fifth in an ultra-consistent seven race campaign.
Valhala elected to spell Aztec Ruler after his victory in September, thinking the Pinnacles was out of reach with just a short gap between preparations.
Hoping it proves to be a wise decision, Vahala said Aztec Ruler had benefited and made significant improvement since his last preparation.
“He’s had a proper eight week spell for the first time in his life with no hiccups,” Vahala told The Races WA.
“He will be going to the races spot on and I couldn’t be happier with him.
“I think he will be super competitive and will run out of his skin.
“He’ll obviously improve off it being his first up run.
“We’re confident he’ll run a big race.
“I’m expecting him to run top three or four definitely.
“The way he’s working at home I’d be surprised if he didn’t.”
With regular rider Steven Parnham riding in Melbourne on Saturday, Michael Poy has been booked to ride Aztec Ruler in the Cyril Flower Stakes.
Vahala said Aztec Ruler would also target the Pinjarra Classic on February 25 and the Bunbury Stakes in March.
More Racing News
Augustus and Desert Hero debut in Flemington feature
While the Australian Cup Prelude at Flemington doesn't carry the weight of the day's opening races, it has the potential to highlight future stars for major events ahead.Ciaron Maher will launch two newcomers from overseas in the Saturday 2000m race – Augustus and Desert Hero.Desert Hero already has Australian experience,...
Robbie Griffiths plans VRC Sires' Produce Stakes tilt with Almost An Angel
For the youngsters, the VRC Sires' Produce Stakes provides the debut opportunity to tackle a genuine journey.Now that the Blue Diamond Stakes, Victoria's top juvenile prize, has been run and captured last month, attention shifts for the fast two-year-olds to the Golden Slipper up in Sydney.Robbie Griffiths, however, set his...
Ipswich Friday features prepared Sir Maurice
With an advantageous claim on weight and a competitor set for a win, Jack Bruce is eager for Sir Maurice to perform at Ipswich this coming Friday.Marking his fifth run this campaign, the five-year-old offspring of champion Japanese sire Maurice enters the Great Northern Benchmark 65 Handicap (1200m) for an...
Blinkers and McDonald for Hidrix in key Todman Stakes before Golden Slipper
Hidrix, once the top pick for the Golden Slipper, faces two major tweaks for his engagement in the Todman Stakes at Randwick: blinkers fitted and James McDonald in the saddle.Although McDonald guided stable companion Confederation during the Canonbury Stakes (1100m) Hidrix won and the Silver Slipper (1100m), he'll switch to...
Filly Caffe Florian emerges as next talent for Richard Litt
Though Richard Litt runs a modest team in numbers, he has proven adept at pinpointing quality performers.Responsible for training dual Group 1 champion Castelvecchio and Profondo's 2021 Spring Champion Stakes success, the Warwick Farm conditioner now seems to hold a fresh prospect in developing filly Caffe Florian.The three-year-old by Snitzel...
Waller's entrants set for All-Star Mile at Flemington
Leading handler Chris Waller embraces the All-Star Mile format since its promotion to Group 1.Launched back in 2019, the All-Star Mile moved between key Melbourne venues and mirrored Japan's Arima Kinen by letting the public choose their top pick.Changes were implemented in later years, and Waller entered sparingly.Securing Group 1...
Mark Zahra backs Tentyris to overcome weight in Newmarket
Mark Zahra, the jockey, doesn't see the allocated weight for Tentyris as a barrier to the colt capturing the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.To win the Group 1 1200m event at Flemington on Saturday, Tentyris must replicate the weight record set by Ajax back in 1938.The 57kg impost matches what Fastnet...
Freedman eyes Ninja's mile potential in Randwick Guineas
Michael Freedman counts on Ninja getting forward in the run as an essential element boosting his shot at the Group One Randwick Guineas.Unlike key challengers Autumn Boy and Attica, who prefer to come from off the pace, Ninja showed his flexibility in the Hobartville Stakes (1400m) by tracking the pacesetter...
Experienced Coal Crusher set for Newcastle Stakes challenge
If Coal Crusher maintains his strong connection with the Newcastle venue, he could provide Joe Pride with an excellent beginning to his weekend on a prominent regional racing occasion.On a quick six-day freshen-up from his Liverpool City Cup (1300m) defeat at Randwick, the gelding lines up in Friday's Group 3...
Rawiller's decision spotlights Lady Shenandoah's Canterbury Stakes bid
With Ciaron Maher readying Gringotts for his seasonal reappearance in the Canterbury Stakes at Randwick, another jockey has accidentally boosted the credentials of a prominent rival entrant.Nash Rawiller built an impressive alliance with Gringotts late in his previous campaign, notching successive wins in the Big Dance and The Gong.They were...