Undefeated Ayrton to Target the Stradbroke

Mark Smith - Saturday May 8

While there were no stakes races at Caulfield on Saturday, plenty were willing to argue the most promising young horse to race on the day captured the final event on the programme.

It is hard not to get caught up in Mick Price's unbridled enthusiasm for the 3yo Iffraaj (GB) gelding Ayrton.

Ayrton (Image Grant Courtney)

The final leg of a 5-timer for Jamie Kah, Ayrton kept his record at a perfect three for three with a dominant performance over 1200m in his first start in 19 weeks.

Given an easy time of it over the final furlong, Ayrton defeated Curran (Night Of Thunder by one and a quarter lengths with The Big Easy (Written Tycoon) a further three and three-quarter lengths back in third.

The win earned Ayrton a trip to Brisbane for the Fred Best Stakes, which hopefully will be a springboard to the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap.

"I was a little bit toey about the 1200m, but I wanted him as fresh as he could be," Price said.

"He has had two good trials. He is a good-tempered horse, still a bit to learn, but I think 1400m or a mile would be good.

"We have our little plan, which involves a trip, then that will be us for this prep.

Advertisement

"I'm not a big spruiker, I hope I'm not anyway, but I remember when we first had the horse on his first start, a couple of Hong Kong people rang. I usually say 'give me a figure,' but I said a plain no, it's not happening.

"I think he is one of the better horses I've had.

"The Fred Best in three weeks is a win and you're in for the Stradbroke. All being well, that will be us."

Ayrton failed to make his $40,000 reserve as a yearling - worth much more now

Bred by Greg McCarthy and sent to Cambridge trainer Lauren Brennan, Ayrton caught the eye of bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo in a barrier trial. Purchased by clients of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, Ayrton carries the increasingly familiar colours of Roll The Dice Racing.

Passed in shy of his $40,000 reserve at the 2019 NZB Karaka Yearling Sale, Ayrton is the second winner from as many to race out of the unraced Falkirk mare Odessa.

A half-sister to the Group III Eulogy Stakes winner Monterey Bay, Odessa died in 2019. Her final foal is a 2yo colt by Sweynesse.

Advertisment

Race Result - Darren Gauci Hcp 1200m

Caulfield Track: Good(4) Time: 1:10.08
1
Ayrton
- 3g Iffraaj (GB) x Odessa (NZ) (Falkirk (NZ))
Tnr: M Price & M Kent Jnr Rdr: Jamie Kah 56.5
2
1.3
Curran
- 3g Night Of Thunder (IRE) x Tramell (AUS) (Street Cry (IRE))
Tnr: Ms L Tolson & Ms L Proctor Rdr: Matthew Cartwright 53.5
3
5.1
The Big Easy
- 3g Written Tycoon (AUS) x Sunday Chill (AUS) (Flying Spur (AUS))
Tnr: C Maher & D Eustace Rdr: Teodore Nugent 53.5
4
6.7
Snickerdoodledandy
- 3f Snitzel (AUS) x Crafty Irna (AUS) (Starcraft (NZ))
Tnr: P G Moody Rdr: Carleen Hefel 54
5
6.9
Yulong Command
- 3g Written Tycoon (AUS) x Prettyhappyaboutit (AUS) (Magnus (AUS))
Tnr: A & S Freedman Rdr: Lachlan King 56
6
7.9
Crystal Chief
- 3g Written Tycoon (AUS) x Crystal Wit (AUS) (Distorted Humor (USA))
Tnr: M Ellerton & S Zahra Rdr: D Moor 54
7
11.7
Shelby Cobra
- 3g Toronado (IRE) x Segenhoe Valley (AUS) (Dane Shadow (AUS))
Tnr: M D Moroney Rdr: B Prebble 58
8
17.7
Haystacks Calhoun
- 3g Rubick (AUS) x Miss Haystacks (AUS) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: Ms D Chapman Rdr: Patrick Moloney 54
9
21.9
River Night
- 3f Night Of Thunder (IRE) x River Pearl (AUS) (Helmet (AUS))
Tnr: M Ellerton & S Zahra Rdr: Liam Riordan 53
More Reading...
Juvenile Trial Watch – Warwick Farm
Spring was in the air at the Warwick Farm trials with some of the big banger older stars in action and some exciting rising three year-olds that include a filly that has potential superstar written all over her.
Kiwi stayer Mark Twain on Comeback Trail
One-time Melbourne Cup fancy Mark Twain will make his first public appearance for more than 12 months when the Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained gelding has an exhibition gallop at Te Rapa on Saturday.
Kiwi Bred Ayrton Back to Best in Listed Weekend Hussler
The roller-coaster career of highly talented galloper Ayrton got back on the right track with a tenacious performance to win Saturday’s Listed The Big Screen Company Weekend Hussler (1400m) at Caulfield.
Inglis Digital Now Online - G1 Winner Velocious the Star
The G1-winning Champion 2YO Velocious (Written Tycoon) has been joined by a host of outstanding racing and breeding prospects in a tantalising Inglis Digital July (Late) Online Sale catalogue.
Hello Youmzain Filly Chasing Another Stakes Win
The Lisa Latta-trained pair of Platinum Diamond and Brutiful Lass will bid to end their juvenile season in perfect fashion at Otaki on Saturday when they tackle the Listed Phils Electrical & Gipsy Caravans Ryder Stakes (1200m).
Breeding To Win – Crystal Ball – New Season 3YOs to Follow
Who are we highlighting this week? - Analysis of the G1 winning 3YO’s for this season has made us realise how many horses on this list took giant strides from two to three, so we are looking into the crystal ball to find some juveniles we believe could end next season as G1 performers if not G1 winners.
Lookalike Star Turn Colt Franks Hot Form Race
When Angel Ladder won the first race at Geelong coming out of the VRC Next Gen Series Sprinters Final won by Jimmy Recard, you would think punters would have looked closely at Redders in the following event coming out of the same race, but he slipped under their guard.
Spring Trial Watch – Warwick Farm
Spring was in the air at Warwick Farm on Friday morning with a couple of heats for Group and Listed winners that included Lady Shenandaoh, Ceolwulf, plus Cups contender Sir Delius (GB).
Kiwi Bred Ayrton Wins Listed John Dillon Stakes
Ayrton added even more shine to his outstanding record at Caulfield with a thrilling win in a photo finish to Friday’s A$175,000 Listed Evergreen Turf John Dillon Stakes (1400m).
Amelia’s Jewel Family Produces Wootton Bassett 2YO SW
Wootton Bassett (GB) added yet another new two year old stakes-winner to his tally overnight in Ireland with the Group III Silver Flash Stakes (7 ½ f) at Leopardstown going to a filly that is closely related to Aussie Group I winner Amelia’s Jewel.