Ayrton, joined by nine other top racehorses like Zaaki and Tuvalu, has landed in Perth, Western Australia, amid a heatwave, with temperatures expected to remain above 36 degrees.
This arrival precedes their participation in The Pinnacles and follows Ayrton’s challenging run in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.
Trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr are preparing Ayrton for the $1.5 million Damien Oliver-Gold Rush (1400m) on December 16, where he is the early favorite.
The team faces the additional challenge of the extreme heat, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees.
As a countermeasure, Ayrton is being kept cool with morning beach visits while staying at Simon Miller’s stable.
Despite a history of health challenges, including a near-fatal spider bite, Ayrton is in good form, both physically and mentally, after three recent runs.
Optimism is high for the upcoming race at Ascot, with the conditions deemed favourable.
Ayrton’s odds stand at $7 with Ladbrokes for the Gold Rush, reflecting confidence in his performance potential.
