Vahala hopes to Rule Bunbury Stakes
Aztec Ruler has yet to realise his trainer’s ambition, a couple of hiccups and small setbacks has stymied his progress.
But, the horse has talent and started to show that flair last year in the winter during a Belmont campaign.
The Universal Ruler four-year-old made it to seven races in two months for a return of three wins and three placings.
Which makes his resumption in last Saturday week’s Listed Pinjarra Classic (1300m) frustrating for Stefan Vahala and connections.
Coming off a promising winter, their anticipation was high and for most part of the race they wore a satisfied smile.
Aztec Ruler was beautifully placed in fourth positioned by jockey Steven Parnham, but 200m away from the winning post he was stopped in his tracks by Searchin’ Roc’s.
He did a remarkable job to to pick himself up and regain momentum.
Numerically he finished ninth in Pinjarra’s main sprint, but it was closer than that, he was just over two lengths behind River Rubicon.
Although he came back with a few minor battle scars, Vahala said Aztec Ruler is primed to go for his next start.
That’s in Saturday’s Listed Bunbury Stakes (1400m), Aztec Ruler’s big chance chance of grabbing black-type glory.
“He’s good now,” Vahala said on Tabradio.
“He had a few rough days after his last run, a bit sore and sorry, but is jumping out of his skin now.
“We cuddled him as much as we could and he’s jumping out of his skin.”
The Bunbury Stakes is almost identical in opposition to the Pinjarra Classic. Multinational can be added to the 14 horse line up.
Aztec Ruler has drawn perfectly in barrier three and his partner, jockey Steven Parnham, can added a second Bunbury Stakes to his trophy cabinet if successful.
Vahala said there will be no excuses if Aztec Ruler gets beaten in the Bunbury Stakes.
“He’s come through the run really well,” Vahala said.
“I’m expecting him to be at his top.
“I think he’ll run a really good race for us from that barrier.
“Hopefully he lives up to expectations.”
Punters are warming to Aztec Ruler’s hard luck Pinjarra Classic story.
At $6.50 with top betting apps, he’s moved to equal favourite with Red Fifty Three, who also had a luckless role in the Pinjarra Classic.
More Racing News
Mr consistency heads to the 2026 Ballarat Cup
Ocean Beyond might not always warm the hearts of punters, but he remains an exceptionally consistent earner for his connections. The Simon Ryan-trained gelding will attempt to secure his biggest payday yet when he contests the $500,000 Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) on Saturday, entering the race with more than $535,000 already...
Bar raised for in-form colt Swift Legend
Swift Legend has earned his opportunity in stronger company after back-to-back midweek victories, but jockey Jason Collett remains cautious as the colt continues to mature. The Dundeel youngster lines up in Sunday’s Vinnie @ Yarraman Park Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill, stepping out from recent wins at Warwick Farm and Canterbury. Collett says...
Inhabit out to book a 2026 Magic Millions Classic trip
Unbeaten filly Inhabit will be racing for a Magic Millions berth when she steps out again on Saturday. A stylish debut winner at Murray Bridge in October, she now lines up in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Two-Year-Old Plate (1000m) at Morphettville Parks. Her assignment has been simplified with three scratchings, leaving...
Rob and Annabel Archibald hoping to return north with West Of Africa
Despite Sydney lacking a feature race this weekend, Sunday’s Rosehill program will be pivotal for Rob and Annabel Archibald as they shape their Magic Millions carnival team. The Archibalds will run West Of Africa and Mickey’s Medal in the TAB Handicap (1400m), with both aiming to justify a January trip to...
Tommy Berry to test the summer carnival waters in 2025 George Moore Stakes
Tommy Berry will be a key figure in Brisbane this weekend as he reunites with Caballus, while also unveiling a valuable Magic Millions hopeful. Berry’s association with Caballus includes a Flemington stakes win two starts ago, prior to the sprinter backing up into the Champions Sprint, where he was unplaced behind...
SA raider Promises Kept chases 2025 Ballarat Cup
Trainer Michael Hickmott is confident that new stable acquisition Promises Kept can give his owners plenty to look forward to over the next fortnight. The gelding heads east for Saturday’s Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) and may then target the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) seven days later. Previously trained by Greg Eurell and...
Michael Dee makes Ascot return for Apulia in 2025 Northerly Stakes
Group 1-winning jockey Michael Dee is set to make a rare Perth appearance as he chases more elite-level success aboard Apulia. Dee will ride the Lindsay Park-trained entire in the Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot, marking his first visit to the track since November 2018. The Victorian lightweight has a strong record...
Son of ill-fated stallion St Jean scores impressive debut win
Melek, a staying-bred son of St Jean, made the perfect start to his racing career with a determined win over the mile at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday. The Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old debuted in the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1600m) and made an immediate impact. Starting at $4.20 after firming late, Melek charged...
Slick return has Lubrication ready to rumble in 2025 George Moore Stakes
Lubrication has put his hand up for a strong summer campaign after a powerhouse first-up performance that sends him into the Group Three George Moore Stakes at Doomben full of confidence. The gelding enjoyed a breakout moment in May when winning the $1 million The Archer (1300m) at Rockhampton, defeating future...
Weather prompts Rosehill races transfer
Saturday’s Rosehill race meeting will now be held on Sunday after Racing NSW moved to avoid anticipated extreme heat across Sydney, with temperatures set to surge past 40 degrees. Racing NSW stewards had tracked forecasts closely all week and, with no relief in sight, chief steward Tom Moxon confirmed the rescheduling...