It’s been two years since Camorra was in the winner’s stall and his Australian form has been underwhelming, but trainer Stefan Vahala believes the former international galloper can give the Listed Boulder Cup (2100m) a big shake on Sunday.
Soon after taking out his biggest win in the Group 2 Currah Cup (2816m) in 2022, Camorra flew out to Melbourne where he joined the Lindsey Park stable of Ben and J.D.Hayes with a view of winning Australia’s iconic race, the Melbourne Cup (3200m).
Regrettably for connections, the venture failed, Camorra flopped in his Australian debut, running a distant last behind Gold Trip. Hopes for improvement were never realised and after failing to finish any better than ninth at his next six outings, he headed west.
Camorra was introduced to WA racing in last month’s Blue Spec Stakes (1650m) at Belmont before acquainting himself with Kalgoorlie in the Coolgardie Cup (1760m), finishing seventh, but according to Stefan Vahala, a top run hard up along the fence.
Although six lengths adrift of the winner Admiration Express, Vahala was delighted with Camorra’s run and says a step up in distance is only going to further his chances in the Boulder Cup and finally end his Australian hoodoo.
“I was really happy with his last run,” Vahala said to Racing WA.
“He got held up and obviously he’s not a sprinter.
“But the way he got through a gap and took it on with the 60kg, we were rapt.
“He’s come on super and I’m expecting a big run from him.”
Apprentice Luke Campbell picks up the Camorra ride, replacing Laqdar Ramoly.
Camorra has drawn barrier eight of nine in the Boulder Cup.
Meanwhile, Vahala’s stable flag bearer Aztec Ruler is ready to resume after running a solid third to Ripcord in a 1000m trial on Monday.
Not officially seen since June, Vahala said he was more than satisfied with Aztec Ruler’s hit out.
“I was really happy,” Vahala said.
“He wasn’t asked to do a lot in the straight, but was chasing a long way out.
“He had a good hit out and pulled up really well.
“He’ll go straight to the Black Heart Bart.
‘I’ve had him fitter this time in, stepped up his work a bit more.
“I reckon he’s going the best he’s ever gone and the trial suggests that.”
Aztec Ruler claimed his first feature win in the Bunbury Stakes (1400m) in March.
The Black Heart Bart Stakes (1200m), run at Listed level, is staged at Belmont on September 28.