It has been nearly a year since Ayrton last set foot on the racetrack, but after an extended and carefully managed build-up, he is ready to make his return at Flemington.
The talented gelding is set to compete in the Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap (1400m) on Saturday, marking his first start since finishing seventh in last year’s All-Star Mile at Caulfield.
Trained by Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr, Ayrton had initially been in work for a spring campaign last year but failed to find his best form, leading his connections to give him a spell.
Kent Jnr believes the lengthy break has been highly beneficial, and Ayrton’s recent trackwork and jump-outs indicate that he still retains his competitive spirit.
“He just didn’t come up last preparation,” Kent Jnr said.
“He was sound all the way through the preparation, and we got him to the trial stage, but he wasn’t giving his riders the feel that he was going to run well.
“We had a good look at him and decided to give him a long break.
“He’s had a long, steady build up and it’s pleasing to say that he’s a completely different horse to last preparation.”
Having contested just 24 career starts, Ayrton boasts an impressive record of eight wins and four placings.
As the rising eight-year-old prepares for his return, Kent Jnr emphasizes that the decision on how far Ayrton progresses this preparation will ultimately be up to the horse himself.
“Being an older horse, we’re mindful that it’s all up to him,” Kent Jnr said.
“We won’t force the issue, if he wants to do it, he’ll show us.
“Both his jump-outs have been very good. He was in a hot heat last time and worked home well.
“He had a big blow, so whilst he’s got an extremely good first-up record, he’s an older horse now, and he’s in better races and it’s 12 months since his last start.
“We think he’ll massively improve with the run, but I’m looking forward to seeing him back.
“It’s a race, at his best, that is certainly within his grasp, but we haven’t asked to see a heap at home, so we’ll see how he’s going on race day.”
