Trainer Symon Wilde believes the Listed Galilee Series Final at Caulfield is the next logical step for developing stayer American In Paris.
A son of 2010 Melbourne Cup winner Americain out of city winner Manhattan Treasure, American In Paris steps up to 2425m for the first time in Saturday’s Galilee Final for three-year-olds, with Wilde anticipating the rise in distance will suit the gelding.
Formerly trained by now-disqualified Darren Weir for his first six starts which included a fifth in last year’s Listed Geelong Classic (2200m), American In Paris has had two starts for Wilde since returning from a spell.
He won over 1620m in benchmark 58 grade at Donald before being beaten in the final stride over 2200m in a benchmark 64 at Bendigo on April 2.
“He has impressed us,” Wilde said.
“He looks like a natural stayer and we’ve treated him like that. We went straight from a mile out to 2200 and he didn’t seem to have too many problems with that.
“We’ve just trained him as a natural stayer and I think he’s going well. And I think back to his own age over that sort of trip, it’s a nice race for him.
“He’s an improving horse and I think he will get better with age. He’s going to be a late developer but he’s starting to put it together now.”
Wilde acknowledges last-start Bendigo winner Secret Blaze, the $2.70 favourite, has superior form given he has been competitive in Group races during the season, but the race also presents an opportunity for an improving stayer to make a step up.
American In Paris’ performance will shape the rest of his season.
“He’s been in lower grade the last two but this race will give us a fair indication of what path to take and whether he’s ready to make a step up or not,” Wilde said.
“He’s only got to acquit himself reasonably well and you’d have to be looking at the St Leger and or SA Derby I reckon.”
The Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) for three-year-olds is at Flemington on April 25.
