Horse racing: Maguire hoping for big show from Pike

Adrian Maguire is hoping Saturday’s Aon Chase at Newbury will put Paris Pike on target for a choice of big-race options.

Ferdy Murphy’s charge landed the Ladbroke Casinos Scottish Grand National in 2000 but has yet to get his head in front in three starts after returning from injury this season.

The 10-year-old was sixth in the Pillar Property Chase at Cheltenham on his last run and is aiming to get back on the winning track in the £60,000-added contest at the Berkshire track.

He has been allotted 10st 8lb for the Martell Grand National at Aintree and is also engaged in the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup.

But Maguire is focusing on his Newbury run first.

‘‘We will learn more about him on Saturday but the ground would not be ideal for him. But he will have learnt from his run in the Pillar Property Chase and he should show us more there,’’ he said.