Having enjoyed a short break, Ayrton (NZ) (Iffraaj) is all set to resume training with the Golden Eagle at Rosehill to be his main spring target.
Having had a two-start campaign in Brisbane and enjoying some winter warmth up north, Ayrton is set to return to the Caulfield stables of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr on Tuesday.
“I don’t think I’ve even told the ownership group that yet,” Price said.
Ayrton has won four of his five starts with Price previously saying the gelding, who turns four on August 1, is potentially the best galloper he has trained.
After winning his first three starts in Victoria, Ayrton was sent north to Brisbane to contest the Gr. 3 Fred Best Quality (1400m) at Eagle Farm on May 29.
He was beaten into second place before making amends with a 2-¾ length win in the Gr.3 Gunsynd Classic (1600m) at Eagle Farm on June 12.
Following his last start victory, Price said the ideal target for Ayrton in the spring would be the $7.5 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill on October 30.
And nothing has changed Price’s mind since.
“He comes back to Caulfield on Tuesday and we’ll set him for the Golden Eagle on October 30,” Price said.
“What race restricted to four-year-olds over 1500 metres, worth $7.5 million, offers that sort of ‘ROI’, return on investment.”
In pre-nomination TAB markets, Ayrton is listed as the $6 favourite ahead of Mounga ($8) with Hungry Heart and Rothfire both at $11.
