When astute Toowoomba trainer Richie Stephenson speaks his mind it sure pays to listen.A little more than 12 months ago, the reserved Stephenson was suitably moved to make an unusually bold statement when he described Azzaland as potentially the best horse he had ever trained.Wind the clock forward 369 days and the brilliant sprinter is poised to justify Stephenson's prediction by winning the $100,000 Bat Out Of Hell Handicap (900m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday.On the day Stephenson talked up A

When astute Toowoomba trainer Richie Stephenson speaks his mind it sure pays to listen.

A little more than 12 months ago, the reserved Stephenson was suitably moved to make an unusually bold statement when he described Azzaland as potentially the best horse he had ever trained.

Wind the clock forward 369 days and the brilliant sprinter is poised to justify Stephenson's prediction by winning the $100,000 Bat Out Of Hell Handicap (900m) at the Gold Coast on Saturday.

On the day Stephenson talked up Azzaland's potential, the towering gelding had just taken his record to three wins from as many attempts with a barnstorming six-length win at his home track.

His record now reads eight wins from 10 starts with his only two defeats coming at the hands of Woody 'N' Buzz on Doomben 10,000 day last year and Albert The Fat at Eagle Farm on Stradbroke Handicap day.

Azzaland underwent keyhole surgery to remove a chip from his rear fetlock after his previous preparation and Stephenson said the gelding had improved since the procedure.

"We X-rayed him after he was beaten at Eagle Farm and found the chip. He had three months in the paddock to complete the required recovery period and he's a far better horse this preparation," Stephenson said.

"He's in perfect condition and I couldn't be more pleased with the way he is progressing."

Azzaland has electrifying speed out of the barrier and he has been far too good for his opposition in two runs this preparation including a five-length, first-up win at the Gold Coast on December 6.

Stephenson acknowledges Azzaland faces a steep rise in class in Saturday's helter-skelter affair but he's confident the horse is primed to take the next step.

"He's won two open company races at his past two runs but this is a step up, no doubt about that," Stephenson said.

Gold Coast jockey Garry Baker retains the ride after scoring on Azzaland at his two runs this preparation and the talented hoop has plenty of options from barrier five.

Azzaland is rated equal favourite at $2.80 alongside Sydney sprinter Keen Commander with the highly-rated Brisbane sprinter Burdekin Blues on the next line of betting at $4.20.

Stephenson rated Keen Commander as clearly the hardest to beat but said he was confident Azzaland would keep the interstate raider honest.

"Azzaland is a very good horse and he's in great order. Keen Commander has some good form in high-class races but he'll know he's in a race that's for sure," Stephenson said.

"In my opinion he could be the best horse the (Darling) Downs has produced for a long time.

"I knew from the first time I put this horse against the clock that he was special."