Vahala chases interstate double
Stefan Vahala has high hopes of landing an interstate double on Saturday when he starts Aztec Ruler in the Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap (1400m) in Melbourne and Ice Pick Nick in the Bunbury Stakes (1400m).
Aztec Ruler, Stefan Vahala’s stable flagbearer, who gave him his first black-type win as a trainer in last year’s Bunbury Stakes, is primed for another big assault at Flemington, a track that the five-year-old has shown a liking for.
Aztec Ruler ran a bolter at Flemington first-up when a close second in the Group 3 Standish (1200m) and last start occupied the same runner-up placing when running on stoutly in the Listed Elms Handicap (1400m).
Aztec Ruler, who ran a flat fourth in his only other Melbourne appearance at Sandown, can become the second Perth horse in four years to win the Shaftesbury Handicap after Kissonallforcheeks was successful in 2022.
Vahala said Aztec Ruler has done very well since his previous run three weeks ago and he’s optimistic the Universal Ruler gelding can leave Melbourne and his maiden interstate foray on a successful winning high.
“He’s done very well, he had a few days in the paddock and had a couple of gallops since,” Vahala said on Tabradio.
“His gallop yesterday (Tuesday) was really good and really happy with him.
“Last run was meant to be his last run, but he ran so well and pulled up so well we decided to go around one more.
“He’ll head for the paddock and get ready for the Ascot summer carnival after a long spell.”
Vahala says Aztec Ruler’s competitive efforts in Melbourne has come as a welcome surprise and a win would validate his decision to race him interstate.
The dual stakes winner has always shown above average ability but is now displaying a lot more durability after niggly feet issues hampered his career early on.
From a nervy, flighty horse, Vahala is proud how Aztec Ruler has confidently adapted to his first trip away from home.
“Just the way he’s handled everything,” Vahala said.
“Before it was even a hassle just floating him.
“To handle all this and perform as well as he has, it’s exceeded expectations.”
Aztec Ruler’s chances were cruelled somewhat after drawing barrier 10, the second widest gate.
Damian Lane has been booked for the ride, taking over from William Pike, who remains home to partner classy four-year-old Watch Me Rock in the Bunbury Stakes.
From the powerful Grant and Alana Williams set up, Watch Me Rock made an outstanding return a fortnight ago, boosting his already impressive strike rate to six wins, four seconds and a third from 12 race starts.
The Awesome Rock gelding looms as a major adversary to Ice Pick Nick, who has been a great acquisition for Vahala after crossing from Dan Morton’s camp.
The former eastern stater has scored two wins and two seconds for his new base and last start flew home from a long way back for fourth in an on pace dominated and influenced Pinjarra Classic (1300m).
“He came through the run amazing and didn’t get much luck,” Vahala said.
“He pulled up super and his work yesterday (Tuesday) was very good.
“He goes into the race as good as he could possibly be going.
“He’s just a legend and gives you 110 per cent every time he steps out.
“He’s honest as the day is long.”
With Steven Parnham’s foot injury ruling him out, Vahala has called on master pick up specialist Shaun O’Donnell to ride Ice Pick Nick.
In a small field of eight, Ice Pick Nick and O’Donnell combine from gate one.
More Racing News
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...
Chains Of Love's stunning Kosciuszko win defies the odds
In a truly remarkable turn of events, Chains Of Love, despite her challenging draw and a run wide for the entirety of the race, managed to surge past Band Of Brothers in a thrilling conclusion.This victory marks a consecutive win in The Kosciuszko for the training partnership of Paul Messara...
Grafterburners triumphs in Sydney Stakes after declining Everest start
Kelly Schweida, the trainer, has disclosed that he declined an offer for an Everest slot for Grafterburners to focus on its $2 million consolation race. This decision has proven to be a masterstroke, as the colt has claimed a thrilling Sydney Stakes victory at Randwick.The Queensland trainer felt his charge...
So You Are books Melbourne Cup ticket after St Leger triumph
The connections of improving stayer So You Are can celebrate a successful outcome, as the horse has overcome a pre-race incident to position itself favourably for a Melbourne Cup start.In Saturday's St Leger Stakes (2600m) at Randwick, the Bjorn Baker-trained $3.30 favourite, ridden by Tommy Berry, demonstrated resilience to fend...
Caulfield Classic and Ethereal Stakes Produce New Classic Hopefuls
The complexion of the Spring Carnival's two major Group 1 Classics was altered on Saturday with the emergence of two significant new players at Caulfield.King Snitz has propelled himself into Victoria Derby calculations following a last-stride triumph in the Caulfield Classic, while Quick Finish has climbed the Oaks betting charts...