Track concern for Ayrton first-up

[Wandering Eyes]

Overnight and early morning rain at Caulfield was not what the trainers of Ayrton (NZ) (Iffraaj) wanted ahead of a gallop on Tuesday.

The Caulfield track was bordering on a Good 4 on Monday before 1.5mm of rain overnight and a further shower as trackwork was being undertaken on Tuesday morning.

The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained Ayrton worked with stablemate Age Of Chivalry (NZ) (He’s Remarkable) to round off his preparation for the Gr.1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

With race jockey Damian Lane aboard, the intent was for Ayrton to work over 1000m, quickening over the last 600m, but a slippery surface was not to the gelding’s liking.

“He (Lane) said on that slippery ground he just wanted to hold on to him a bit,” Price said.

“He felt him change stride and he changed stride behind. He said, ‘I just wanted to look after him’.

“The horse hasn’t missed a beat this prep, and it is true he does not like shifty ground, but the horse is in good order and I’m sure he’ll run well, but this morning, it wasn’t what I really wanted.

“He had a little blow and is pretty ready fitness wise and if we get a decent track, he’ll go pretty well.”

Age Of Chivalry is entered for the Sir Rupert Clarke but is unlikely to gain a start and Price said he was likely to be saved for the Gr.3 Sandown Stakes (1500m) on September 25.

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