AYRTON BACKED EARLY TO WIN SOFITEL

Ayrton to run in The Sofitel at Flemington

With markets opening for the Flemington affair on Monday punters didn't bother looking at barriers or riders before backing Ayrton heavily to win his second race back in Victoria after an indifferent winter campaign in Queensland.

Ayrton opened up a $2.20 favourite for The Sofitel before a heavy wave of betting support smashed the price into $1.80.

The four year old went on to be allocated stall 6 at the barrier draw on Wednesday however punters had clearly made their mind up that Ayrton would be likely to make it 6 wins from 7 starts. 

Ayrton currently sits atop the betting for the $7.5m Golden Eagle and another convincing win here could help cement his favouritism for the Sydney four year old feature.

Co-trainer Michael Kent jr was happy that Ayrton had improved since his opening run for the campaign at the end of August. 

“We thought he had a bit of improvement to come out of that and he has looked better every day,” Kent Jr, who trains Ayrton in partnership with Mick Price, said.

“He worked up super in his gallop (on Tuesday).

“John Allen rode him, and he sat off another horse and cruised by him under a hold.”

Kent jr went on to say that wins in quality races like The Sofitel would open the door to bigger races down the road. 

“It’s a nice race for him on Saturday. Then we’ll have a look at the Epsom, I think,” Kent Jr said.

“When you’re trying to win a race like the Epsom, it’s best to try and get in well at the handicaps by winning these softer Listed races.

“Hopefully the timing is good, and he can go from the Epsom and on to the Eagle.”

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