Trainer Stefan Vahala concedes Aztec Ruler faces a deeper Standish Handicap this year, but believes his gelding is better equipped to handle the test.
The West Australian galloper returns to Flemington chasing redemption after going down by a head to It’Sourtime in last year’s $200,000 Group 3.
Vahala said Aztec Ruler heads into this year’s 1200-metre race in stronger form than he did 12 months ago and will carry a lighter weight, though the strength of the field has also lifted.
“He’s going better than last year, but I think unfortunately the field’s a bit stronger than last year,” he said.
“My bloke’s definitely going better than ever, though, so we’re looking forward to it.”
After carrying 59kg when runner-up in last year’s Standish Handicap, Aztec Ruler drops to 57.5kg on Saturday, alongside Hedged, with Maharba, Lim’s Kosciuszko and Aviatress among the key rivals.
The son of Universal Ruler followed a familiar path into the race, finishing sixth in the Group 3 Gold Rush (1400m), mirroring last year’s preparation.
It was his prior run, however, that gave Vahala confidence, when only the subsequent Group 1 Northerly Stakes winner Cosmic Crusader denied him in the Listed Carbine Club Stakes.
“His last run, he was ridden against his pattern and he got tired the last 150, but he put himself in the race and was really strong until that 150, whereas in previous preps if he’d have been ridden like that, he would have really dropped out,” Vahala said.
“His run before that, running second to probably WA’s best horse in Cosmic Crusader, that was a big run as well. So without winning, he’s been very good.”
Barrier six from a field of 12 pleased Vahala, who feels the straight-course experience gained last year will again be an advantage.
“I think he enjoys the straight, it really suits him,” he said.
“He can really get into a rhythm and then let down that last 300, which is sort of his racing pattern.
“He travelled in Monday night, he settled in beautifully, and I think that extra 12 months and that previous travel has definitely helped him.”
Markets are open with leading online bookmakers for the Standish Handicap, giving punters plenty to consider ahead of Saturday’s feature.
Champion WA jockey Chris Parnham, who has ridden Aztec Ruler at his past two starts, will make the trip east to partner him again.
The post Vahala’s Ruler up for Standish Handicap fight first appeared on Just Horse Racing.