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.
