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Symon Wilde believes American In Paris is a natural stayer so he is looking forward to testing him over 2425m in the Listed Galilee Series Final at Caulfield.
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.
