Talented Ayrton back after long break

Ayrton has been absent from the racetrack for nearly a year, but after a well-planned and gradual buildup, he’s now ready to return to Flemington.

The gifted gelding will compete in the Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap (1400m) on Saturday, marking his first race since finishing seventh in last year’s All-Star Mile at Caulfield.

Under the guidance of Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr, Ayrton had originally been geared up for a spring campaign last year, but a lack of form led his team to give him a spell.

Kent Jnr believes the extended break has worked wonders, and recent trackwork and jump-outs show that Ayrton still has his competitive edge.

“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 had just 24 career starts, Ayrton has an impressive record of eight wins and four placings.

As the rising eight-year-old prepares for his return, Kent Jnr stresses that the decision of how far Ayrton progresses this preparation will ultimately depend on 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.”