Lightly raced filly Papillon Club faces her biggest test when she lines up in a stakes race at Flemington for the first time.
The Group 3 The Vanity (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday will be Papillon Club’s third race start and her first since winning over the same course and distance on New Year’s Day.
Saturday’s race immediately came on the radar for Eurell after her Flemington victory and a recent trial at Cranbourne showed the trainer the filly was in order.
“When you give them a break, it’s always touch and go whether you are going to be able to target the race and get to it,” Eurell said.
Eurell gave Papillon Club a couple of weeks in the paddock following her Flemington win and was surprised how well she did.
“She put on a lot of weight and really enjoyed the break, which was good, and she’s picked up from where she left off last time,” Eurell said.
“She’s a lovely horse to train. She’s very relaxed, eats super which allows you to put the work in and do what you want to do.”
Eurell said Papillon Club’s three-length win in the Cranbourne trial on February 6 was precisely what he wanted to see heading into Saturday’s race.
Following The Vanity, the Group 2 Kewney Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on March 11 is likely to be next on the agenda for Papillon Club followed by a trip to Sydney.
“I think she’s in good order and it will be a good test for her, jumping into a Group race, but I think she’s deserving of the opportunity,” Eurell said.
“Ideally, she runs on Saturday and then in three weeks’ time she runs in the Kewney.
“Sydney is on the radar. If she runs super and is still up to the mark, you will have to consider it, but Saturday will give us a good guide as to where we are going.”
Damian Lane takes over from Craig Williams who rides See You In Heaven.
“I think she’s a simple horse to ride and any of the big boys could jump on her and find her a good horse to ride,” Eurell said.