One of Victoria’s most exciting gallopers Ayrton is set to make his reappearance at Caulfield in a bid to stamp his credentials for a Group 1 start.
Ayrton runs in the final race at Caulfield on Saturday, the Darren Gauci Handicap (1200m), in preparation for a start in the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm next month.
Mick Price, who trains Ayrton in partnership with Michael Kent Jr, said the three-year-old has had a good preparation for his return, but is slightly concerned the 1200m trip may be too short.
Ayrton is unbeaten in his two starts to date, winning at Bendigo and Caulfield by a combined total of 9-¼ lengths, and Price said the gelding had filled out since his last start win on December 26.
“He’s got a bit of size about him, he’s had a good prep, two good trials,” Price said.
“We took him to Sandown last Saturday and he worked well. He’s fit enough to win, he’s good enough to win but the 1200 is not going to be his ideal journey, but I had to fit the right race in and I think this is the right race for him.”
Price said he could have waited for a 1400m race at Flemington against three-year-olds on Saturday week, but did not feel that fitted in best for Ayrton’s program.
After Saturday’s first-up outing, Price has the Group 3 Fred Best Quality (1400m) at Eagle Farm on May 29 as the gelding’s next assignment.
Victory in the Fred Best gives the winner a ballot exemption into the Stradbroke Handicap two weeks later.
“If he’s beaten over 1200 metres, it won’t worry me, but I think if he was to have a hard run at Flemington next week and only have two weeks until the Fred Best, that was more of a worry,” Price said.
“I think he can win on Saturday, but the 1200 is a bit short of what will be his best distance.”
Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au