Trainer Stefan Vahala is a big fan of Ice Pick Nick; a new stable acquisition and that affection only grew after the six-year-old produced a dogged performance at Belmont on Saturday.

Ice Pick Nick showed fighting qualities to stave off Leniency by a half-head in the Morley Growers Market Handicap (1200m), exciting Vahala about the gelding’s future.

The former Victorian galloper, a son of Frosted, improved one position after finishing second to Stormchaser when making his stable debut for Vahala two weeks before

Ice Pick Nick commenced his racing career under the direction of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace in Melbourne and began brightly with wins from his opening two starts.

Transferred to Perth, he raced on six occasions for Ascot trainer Dan Morton, posting a win first-up for his new stable when leading to defeat Sisu Warrior and Defending.

Bought for a modest sum in an online sale, Vahala said he’s delighted Ice Pick Nick has landed at his stable.

“He goes ok, he tries so hard,” Vahala said to Racing WA.

“It’s always nice when you get a Saturday class horse.

“It’s always a bonus, it takes time, but it’s worth it.”

After his previous work with Morton, Vahala said Ice Pick Nick had had enough and would go out on a winning note before mapping out a campaign for 2025.

He believes the gelding has the capacity to reach Listed level in the new year.

“The aim is to have eight weeks off now,” Vahala said.

“And then try and win a couple of races before like the Scenic Blast and Cyril Flower Stakes, those kinds of races.

“He’s just an honest horse and that’s why I think we can pick up one of those races.”

Meanwhile, Vahala’s stable pinup Aztec Ruler is close to ramping up his work ahead of the Ascot carnival.

The five-year-old has been plagued by feet issues throughout most of his career but is showing encouraging signs.

“He’ll do his first piece of evens this week,” Vahala said.

“I don’t want to say anything, but no feet issues at the moment.

“We’ve got new shoes on him and it’s doing the trick at the minute.

“The Black Heart Bart first up is the aim.

“It gets us up a little bit early and hopefully allows us to pick two different paths to the Railway.

“Whether we go to the Peters or the traditional path, depending on how he measures up.”