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Ayrton won the Listed Weekend Hussler (1400m) first up at Caulfield in October, but it was his next two outings that impressed co-trainer Michael Kent and set him up for a trip to Perth.

Ayrton won the Listed Weekend Hussler (1400m) first up at Caulfield in October, but it was his next two outings that impressed co-trainer Michael Kent and set him up for a trip to Perth.

The well-travelled six-year-old ran a closing seventh in the Group 2 Damien Oliver (1400m) at Flemington and finished sixth in the Group 1 Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.

Kent, who trains in partnership with Mick Price says there are positives to take out of Ayrton ahead of Saturday's Group 3 Damien Oliver Gold Rush (1400m) at Ascot.

"Even after his first up win I wasn't convinced that he had really come back," Kent said on Tabradio.

"I know it was a Listed race, but it was a soft one and he had every possible with a perfect D (Damian) Lane ride and just won.

"But he took good confidence from that and has really come on.

"It wasn't until the Group 2 (Damien Oliver) when Mark Zahra took him back to last from barrier 15 and he stormed home in the fastest last 400m of the meeting.

"It was then I thought this horse is back and the Rupert Clarke was a bit of a messy race and the track was playing on pace.

"From a good barrier he got shuffled way too far back and got baulked in the straight terribly.

"He only got beaten three lengths and it's obviously a good form race.

"I think Saturday is going to be a perfect race for him."

Ayrton's Melbourne spring campaign helped erase disappointing efforts in the autumn when he ran under expectations in the Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap (1400m), Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) and Listed City Of Adelaide Handicap (1400m).

Ayrton's career appeared at the crossroads and it came hot on the heels of a snake bite in the spring of 2021 which put him out of action for six months.

Kent is confident the Damien Oliver Gold Rush is the perfect assignment for Ayrton.

"It's a perfect race I think for Saturday," Kent said.

"1400m is his ideal trip at this stage of his life, a big track, firm ground and a good jockey on.

"The horse was going to be anything early doors, but lost his way for a couple of preps after his spider bite.

"It nearly cost him his life, but I really feel we're back somewhere near his best.

"I feel like it's the right race for him.

"He likes to be fresh so the four week gap is ideal.

"We're very happy with the horse, just need a bit of luck on the day."

Ayrton has drawn barrier 11 and will have the services of champion Perth-born jockey, Damian Lane.

"He's got a middle draw and I think it's alright," Kent said.

"If we can be midfield or forward of with cover blending at the right time, that will be ideal and he'll have every chance."

Ayrton is $7 with TABtouch for the Gold Rush.

Second emergency Super Smink and Ripcord share $6 favouritism.

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