Ayrton spring target revealed

Ayrton, ridden by Jamie Kah, wins at Caulfield (Image: Racing Photos/George Salpigtidis)

Ayrton is back in the good books with punters and again looms as a horse with major spring prospects after surging clear to win the Group 3 Gunsynd Classic at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Having his first start at 1600 metres, Ayrton ($1.75) sat just off the speed but jockey James McDonald had him there to challenge on the home turn and the gelding did the rest as he ran clear to win by 2.75 lengths over second favourite Ellsberg ($3.40) with Mob Buster ($101) in third.

Co-trainer Mick Price said he was pleased Ayrton could show his ability after he was beaten as hot favourite at his Queensland debut last month and he suggested that it might be the $7.5 million Golden Eagle at Rosehill rather than the $5 million Cox Plate (2040m) in the spring where Ayrton will be aimed.

“You know the race I would love to put a circle around for a return to the owners would be the Golden Eagle,” Price said.

“I think that would be the best race for him, but it is to be discussed.

“I was pleased that he at least looked more professional and ran away with it whereas two weeks ago (Fred Best Classic) we seemed to be waiting forever for him to put his head down and do something.

“But the whole purpose of bringing him up here is the experience of all those different things. It will be good for him to set him up as a four-year-old.”

The Golden Eagle is a race restricted to four-year-olds and is run over 1500 metres at Rosehill on October 30, which is Victoria Derby Day at Flemington.

For McDonald, it was his first ever stakes win for trainer Mick Price, who prepares Ayrton in partnership with Michael Kent Jnr.