Michael Kent Junior would love nothing more than to see the stable’s “old boy” Ayrton (NZ) (Iffraaj) win the Gr.1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Although Ayrton is only a six-year-old gelding, he has had a litany of problems to deal with in his career, most noticeably almost losing his life after being bitten by a white-tailed spider.
Kent Jnr, who trains in partnership with Mick Price, said they have seen enough in his two starts this time to say Ayrton is back to his best.
Ayrton won the Weekend Hussler Stakes first-up at Caulfield on October 14, then finished seventh at Flemington in the Gr.2 Damien Oliver on Victoria Derby Day.
Kent Jnr said the stable was slightly surprised by Ayrton’s first-up win and they were over the moon about his last start.
“He had to go back from a wide gate last start. We thought it was a terrific preparation run for the Sir Rupert Clarke,” he said.
Ayrton produced the third fastest last 400 metres for the meeting, getting home in 22.48 seconds.
Kent Jnr pointed out Ayrton’s record at Caulfield was superb, having had five starts at the track for five wins, including four over 1400 metres.
“The old boy is back, I reckon. He’s unbeaten at Caulfield and you’ve got to forget his last preparation. He deserves a Group 1,” he said.
The stable has booked Ben Melham to ride him and he is a $13 chance with Sportsbet.
