Three-year-old named after Denis Pagan chasing maiden win at Sandown

A three-year-old named after dual North Melbourne premiership coach Denis Pagan is out to break his maiden at Sandown on Wednesday.

Former North Melbourne coach Denis Pagan could give a good spray every now and then.

A horse out of a broodmare named Spray was always going to have a quirky name.

Trainers Ben and JD Hayes had a few options when it came to naming Spray’s son, but the closest choice was the obvious one for the duo.

An ex-AFL premiership coach known for tough verbal sprays now shares a Flemington trainers’ hut with the young Lindsay Park trainers.

The horse was duly named Pagan after coach-turned-trainer Denis Pagan.

“I think he (Denis Pagan) likes it,” Ben Hayes said.

“He said ‘make sure it’s a good horse’.”

The equine Pagan showed promise in his jumpouts before a solid second on debut at Pakenham last month.

The Hayes brothers decided to give the son of Newmarket Handicap winner Shamexpress another trial before Wednesday’s Ladbroke It Plate (1300m) at Sandown.

“We really like Pagan,” Hayes said.

“He’s a horse that has always shown us good ability.

“He’s a very green and raw horse. He’s a slow learner, that’s the best way to put it, so we gave him another jumpout between runs.”

Ben Hayes is confident Pagan can break his maiden. Picture: Getty Images

Top jockey Craig Williams rode Pagan at Pakenham before travelling to Traralgon for Pagan’s barrier trial in which the three-year-old finished a close second.

Brett Prebble will ride Pagan at Sandown on Wednesday while Williams takes a short break.

But Hayes said Williams’ feedback boosted the stable’s confidence in Pagan breaking his maiden soon.

“Craig said the horse has improved so we’re quietly confident going into the race on Wednesday,” Hayes said.

Pagan is a $3.70 chance in TAB’s early market on Wednesday’s race.

Originally published as Three-year-old named after Denis Pagan chasing maiden win at Sandown