Port LouisĀ has been a cause of frustration for his trainers Ciaron Maher andĀ David EustaceĀ .
Port LouisĀ has untappedĀ ability, butĀ is still a maiden after eight startsĀ withfiveĀ placings to his credit including two in stakes grade races.
Maher and Eustace are chasing a ‘black type’ win with the son of Maurice and hope the colt can break his maiden status in the Group 2 Sandown Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
This year’s Sandown Guineas has been transferred from its traditional slot of a week after the Melbourne Cup Carnival and has brought together a field of 12 runners, includingĀ Godolphin galloper Brigantine, the well-supported in early markets Cardinal GemĀ andĀ Trent Busuttin andĀ Natalie Young’s trio ofĀ Blushing Tycoon, Mister MeĀ and Reigate.
Eustace said the stable was keen to start Port Louis in the Sandown GuineasĀ to find out once and for all whetherĀ the colt doesĀ run out 1600m.
In two previous attemptsĀ at the trip, Port Louis finishedĀ fifth in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes at Randwick in April and sixth in the Group 1 JĀ JĀ Atkins at Eagle Farm in June.
MauriceĀ is coming off a last start narrow secondĀ under Hugh BowmanĀ behindĀ Bend The KneeĀ in the Listed Springtime Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on November 6.
“We’re going to try a mile.Ā Whether he gets the mile, we’ll find out,” Eustace said.
“Again,Ā it’s a Group 2Ā but he seemsĀ to be going wellĀ so it’s worthwhile giving him a try.
“Although he’s beenĀ in work for a while, he hasn’t had a lot of racing, but heĀ isĀ frustrating.
“He looked like he was going to be the winnerĀ last timeĀ and Hughie had to make his move when he did and got there possibly a fraction too soon.”
Port Louis opened second favourite at $4.40 with TAB behind Brigantine at $3.70 while Sydney visitor Festival DancerĀ was on the third line at $4.80.
