Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott's stable stalwart Ecuador has proven age has not slowed him down, placing behind Winx first-up and is 'thriving' heading into Saturday's Group II Tramway Stakes at Randwick.
The eight-year-old lines up for his 36th start and his co-trainer Adrian Bott couldn't be more pleased with the gelding heading into the $200,000 event.
"We were very happy with his run first-up," Bott said. "He's come through the Warwick Stakes in good order.
"He's an eight-year-old now, but just by looking at the horse and his training and racing he's a horse that's still really thriving and enjoying his work so, that gives you a lot of confidence going forward.
"There is still plenty of zest there for racing."
Run down by Winx in the Warwick Stakes, Bott is adamant that they aren't avoiding another clash with the champion mare in Saturday's Chelmsford Stakes (1600m).
"We aren't avoiding Winx, obviously this is a more winnable race, so why take on Winx when you can get in well in a set-weights and penalties race on the same day still worth some good money and is a Group II," Bott said.
"There is no need to rush him up to the 1600m just yet, another run at 1400m was always the plan irrespective of Winx.
"We've got the option to go up to the 1600m next start and obviously fourth-up will be our grand final in the Epsom.
"This was always the path we wanted to take and we're not necessarily avoiding her but the task is made a lot easier by her not being there, for sure."
The multiple Group I performer boasts an imposing second-up record, including a win at the track and distance last preparation in the Listed Carrington Stakes.
"We are very mindful of his second-up record but in saying that his first-up record is very good as well," Bott said.
"We were pleased with what we saw first-up and where we were at and he seems right on target so, hopefully we can see that improvement on Saturday."
Ecuador is $3.80 favourite with Luxbet to claim his 11th victory and take his take his career earnings past the million-dollar barrier.
