Eurell to test Paris Pike at Sandown

Trainer Greg Eurell has lofty ambitions for Paris Pike if he can prove himself in a Sandown maiden.

Greg Eurell has nominated Paris Pike for the upcoming Australian Guineas and the trainer will get a better guide on those aspirations when the colt chases a maiden win at Sandown.

Paris Pike did his best work late when second in a 1200m-maiden on the Pakenham Synthetic track on debut in August and has his first start since in Wednesday’s Le Pine Funerals Plate (1300m).

The colt is among 106 three-year-olds entered for the Group One Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on February 29.

Three other horses in Wednesday’s race – Bellows, By A Whisker, Recognise – have also been nominated.

“It was worth throwing a nomination in and it will be interesting just to see what he does tomorrow,” Eurell said.

“I don’t mind the horse. I think he has improved since last time in.

“He’s still a colt but he’s a very big horse.

“I think he’s quite tough and I like his attitude for a colt.

“It will just be interesting to see what he can do.”

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Eurell believes Paris Pike will appreciate the distance and says timing-wise next month’s the Guineas is a good fit if the colt can earn a start.

“I’m thinking he can get there,” he said.

“He’s certainly got to give us a lot more but I think there’s more to get.

“He gives me the feel there is improvement in him and the 1600 metres is a likely distance for him.”

Eurell scratched Paris Pike from a 1200m-maiden at Pakenham last Thursday on a soft track, hoping he would strike a good surface at Sandown.

“I just don’t know how he would be on a soft track and I didn’t want to risk an ordinary run first-up,” Eurell said.

He said Paris Pike would likely need strong riding but he would be disappointed if he did not run well on Wednesday.

Eurell also has Canford Lass in the Ladbrokes Back Yourself Handicap (2400m) and has been pleased with her since she broke her maiden over 2240m at Geelong last start.

“I’m quite happy with her and I reckon she will run well again,” he said.