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.
"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.
