The budding star Ayrton (NZ) (Iffraaj) is out of the race for next month’s Gr.1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) after a shock loss at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
In just his fourth race start, Ayrton was sent out a $1.50 favourite to win the Gr.3 Fred Best Classic (1400m) and therefore qualify for a Stradbroke run, but despite a perfect from Jamie Kah, he failed to pick up the leader Apache Chase (Better Than Ready) in a tight four-way finish in the Group Three.
Despite never being qualified for the Stradbroke, Ayrton was into as short a quote as $3.50 before his loss, but now will not make the field.
Ayrton enjoyed the perfect trail in third place and looked set for an easy win when Kah got him into clean air in the home straight. But try and he did, he could not find that brilliantly finishing sprint which was a feature in his first three wins.
After finding the lead his rivals were unable to catch Apache Chase who had a neck margin over Ayrton on the line with Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) placegetter Amish Boy (Star Witness) close-up in third place.
“He was a bit disappointing today let off the bit, he wasn’t as professional as he’s been, but I’m still happy with him,” Kah told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
Winning trainer Desleigh Forster said she went to the races confident her Better Than Ready gelding could upset Ayrton and later confirmed Apache Chase will take up the ballot-free ticket into the Stradbroke.
“He’s a serious horse,” she said of Apache Chase.
“I didn’t come here hoping, I was very confident coming here today.
“They had their chance. As long as he pulls up well, he goes to the big dance (Stradbroke) in two weeks and now we’re going to have to sit down and find someone who rides at 49.5kg.”
Co-trainer Mick Price indicated Ayrton’s campaign might not yet be over as he could run in the Group 3 Gunsynd Classic over 1600 metres for three-year-olds on Stradbroke Handicap day (June 12).
