Warrnambool trainer Simon Ryan is trying to pinch some late Super VOBIS city money when Ashford Street runs at Caulfield.
Ashford Street runs in the Neds Filter Form Handicap (1200m) on Saturday and it will be the three-year-old’s third run in under two weeks.
The son of Moshe was successful at Murtoa on July 12 and backed that up with a victory at Casterton last Monday, a meeting transferred from Warrnambool.
Ryan said it was unusual for him to back up a horse quickly, but is adamant Ashford Road is up to it.
Besides the $135,000 prize money on offer, with the winner to collect $74,250, there is another $23,000 in Super VOBIS money on offer.
“I’ve had a few people have a swipe at me saying I’m being a bit tough on him, but I thought for the money and the stage of life the horse is at, it’s too good of an opportunity to knock back,” Ryan said.
“He’s Super VOBIS qualified, he’s racing really well. The 1200 (metres) won’t be an issue, he’s drawn well and after the claim he drops something like 10 kilos from Monday.
He’s recovered well and we’re going there thinking he will run really well.
“It’s not something you would generally do, but in two more weeks he has to take on everyone.”
Ryan said the transfer of the meeting from Warrnambool to Casterton last Monday had aided Ashford Street in being able to take his place on Saturday.
“It wasn’t a taxing heavy track run and he’s recovered well from it,” Ryan said.
“He backed-up really well from Murtoa to Casterton and the obvious signs are that he’s going to back-up well again.
“If he runs poorly, I won’t be blaming the back-up, from what I’ve seen, I’ll be blaming the class rise.”
