Ayrton’s (NZ) (Iffraaj) spring preparation started in perfect fashion with the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr trained gelding taking out the Neds Filter Form Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
John Allen guided the son of Iffraaj to his fifth victory in six starts after launching a run from the back half of the field, fighting out the finish with King Magnus (Magnus), while Regardsmaree (So You Think) finished two-lengths away in third.
“It was a perfect first-up run,” Kent Jnr said.
“He didn’t have a hard run early and they went along at a good clip.
“The second horse had a very light weight but our horse is a winner, he knows where the line is and he loves to win.
“It was a low key kick-off and we’ve got a long way to go and couldn’t be more delighted with how it went today.”
Connections have long circled October 30 in their calendars for the A$7.5 million Golden Eagle (1500m) restricted to four-year-olds at Rosehill Gardens and it seems a Listed event at Flemington on September 11 will be their next target.
“Mick and I didn’t think it (Rupert Clark, Gr.1 1400m) was the right race,” Kent Jnr admitted.
“He mightn’t have the rating to get into the race so The Sofitel (Listed, 1400m) in a couple of weeks might be the light option.
“We’ll see how he pulls up but rapt to get him back into the winners’ stall, he’s very exciting.”
Allen was also full of praise after his first sit aboard the gelding, after getting the call-up to replace Jamie Kah on Friday morning.
“He’s got high cruising speed, a big stride and is able to use his action and really builds into his race,” Allen said.
“He’s still quite raw and there’s improvement there but he’s certainly on the right track.”
Ayrton was bred by Cambridge accountant Greg McCarthy, who remains in the ownership group after a private sale was negotiated by bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo after the horse finished second in his only trial in New Zealand at Te Teko in October last year.
Ayrton is currently the $6.50 second favourite for the Golden Eagle with Sportsbet behind last start Gr.1 Winx Stakes winner Mo’unga (NZ) (Savabeel) at $5.50.
