Ashford Street’s road leads back to Valley for Carlyon Stakes

A fitter Ashford Street will have another crack at causing a Valley boilover in Saturday’s Listed Carlyon Stakes (1000m).

Ashford Street threatened to pull off a shock first-up win at $41 when fourth, beaten just a half-length, behind quality sprinter Sweet Ride at The Valley on August 12.

TAB has given Ashford Street a little more respect this time around in ‘all-in’ betting on the Carlyon, posting the Warrnambool gelding at $26 in opening markets.

Ashford Street could be up against the likes of Group 1 winner Bella Nipotina in Saturday’s feature but trainer Ken Elford said the six-year-old would be much fitter for his last run.

“He peaked about 30 yards out from the line but it was an enormous run,” Elford said.

“He hadn’t had a jumpout or anything but he’d had a couple of really good gallops on the course proper here at Warrnambool.

“He needed the run and he went well.

“He’d done everything right leading in and he was fit, but you can’t beat race fitness.”

Elford said Ashford Street has thrived since his first-up effort.

However, it’s difficult for a horse not to enjoy their time in the environment Elford described for Ashford Street at Wangoom, just outside Warrnambool.

“He went to the beach on Sunday and waded through the water behind the boat and went off his feet a couple of times,” Elford said.

“Then he goes home, eats everything up and lays down to have a sleep.

“The stable where he lives is very quiet.

“He’s a very happy horse just doing that.”

Elford said a gallop on the Warrnambool course proper on Monday morning showed Ashford Street was ready for another shot at Sweet Ride, Omni Man and Acromantula on Saturday.

Ashford Street ran fourth in the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint last spring and posted his maiden stakes win down the Flemington straight last December.

But Elford said the son of Black Caviar’s brother Moshe had returned in career-best condition this time in.

“He galloped this morning at the track and he’ll be there on Saturday,” Elford said.

“This time in, he’s more mature and he’s filled out and is a bit stronger and he’s doing a treat.”

Another bold performance in the Carlyon Stakes would give Elford and Ashford Street’s connections something bigger to consider.

Could the sprinter tackle The Everest-winning star Giga Kick in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes at his next start?

“He’d be flat out beating Giga Kick, he’s just a freak Giga Kick,” Elford said.

“To run second to him would be alright though wouldn’t it?”