Caulfield Preview: Price Concerned By Prospect Of Rain

Mick Price believes his stable has a great chance of making it back-to-back Group 1 winning weekends with his promising galloper Ayrton in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes but he’s concerned with the forecast of rain.

Price and co-trainer Michael Kent Junior have targeted this race because of his great record at Ayrton has won four races from four starts at Caulfield and can boast the same record for first-up appearances.

“He’s a bit more forward than when he won the Victoria Handicap. The biggest query is the track if the rain comes. The better the track the better the chances. If it rains during the meeting his chances will also be downgraded,” Price said on RSN.

Price said if there was too much rain, and the track was significantly downgraded he would scratch Ayrton as he doesn’t handle wet tracks.

The stable also has new addition Chaillot in the race, who also has a good first-up record.

Chaillot was formerly trained by Archie Alexander and built up a good record being a Group winner and she also finished fourth in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes in 2020.

“She’s fit enough. She’ll be disadvantaged by her racing pattern. Whether she’s good enough to pick them up but the race will suit her. She needs a trouble free run,” Price said.

Peter Moody has resigned himself to the fact his favourite for the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, I

Wish I Win will miss out on a start as he is second emergency.

James Cummings is confident his smart three-year-old colt Aft Cabin can return to the winners circle in the Caulfield Guineas Preview.

He had a lung-burning gallop on Tuesday morning, and they went a bit quick.”

“He’s had three weeks between runs and will have another three weeks after this before the (G1) Caulfield Guineas.”

“Stepping up to 1,400m will be perfect so that horse should be able to keep himself out of trouble.”

“This horse is entitled to be running very, very well.”

Ayrton Odds

• $6.50 With TopSport
• $6.50 With Playup

Aft Cabin Odds

• $2.35 With TopSport
• $2.35 With Playup