Stefan Vahala believes the task facing Aztec Ruler in this year’s Standish Handicap is tougher than 12 months ago, but the trainer remains confident his stable star is primed to meet the challenge.
The Perth-trained gelding returns to Flemington aiming to go one better than last year, when he was beaten a head by straight-track specialist It’Sourtime in the $200,000 Group 3.
Vahala feels Aztec Ruler arrives at this year’s 1200-metre contest in better order than he did in 2025 and will carry less weight, although he is realistic about why that is the case.
“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.”
Aztec Ruler finished second under 59kg in last year’s Standish Handicap and drops to 57.5kg this time, equal with Christmas Stakes winner Hedged, while rivals include Maharba (60kg), Lim’s Kosciuszko (59kg) and Aviatress (58kg).
The son of Universal Ruler produced a similar lead-up to last year when sixth in the Group 3 Gold Rush (1400m), a race he finished seventh in the previous season, but it was his run prior that sealed the decision to head back to Victoria.
While unable to defend his Listed Carbine Club Stakes title on November 22, it took subsequent Group 1 Northerly Stakes winner Cosmic Crusader to beat him.
“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.”
Aztec Ruler drew barrier six in the 12-horse field, a result Vahala was pleased with as the gelding prepares to tackle the straight again with last year’s experience under his belt.
“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 Australian betting sites for the Standish Handicap, giving punters plenty of options ahead of the Group 3 sprint.
Top WA rider Chris Parnham has partnered Aztec Ruler at his past two starts and will fly in to take the ride on Saturday.
The post Vahala’s Ruler up for Standish Handicap fight first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
