Pike has the two early favourites for the $50,000 feature in Wekaforce and LuvLucy.
Fellow Cambridge filly Taree and Matamata filly Quattro Katie are handy backups to the favourite.
Wekaforce and Luvlucy come into the race after chasing star filly Melt home in a 1000m dash at Ruakaka on September 1.
"The two fillies we've got down there probably wouldn't have been quite competitive enough with Avantage and Melt in the north so we've tried to target black type down there, and hopefully they can continue to improve to be Guineas contenders," Pike said.
Wekaforce fought hard to finish second to Melt at Ruakaka, and Luvlucy was an unlucky fifth after she struck traffic problems in the home straight.
"Wekaforce did plenty of work to get across from the wide gate but she fought well and was beaten by a very good filly. That Melt form has been franked and this should be a bit easier," Pike said.
"We rode Luvlucy quietly and she closed the race off nicely. Up in distance and racing on the big roomy Riccarton track will help her.
"They are both bringing that Melt form and I'd be disappointed if they didn't go well."
Southern hopes are headed by impressive last-start winner Emily Margaret. The filly staged a huge run from the rear of the field to win over 1000m in her latest outing at Riccarton on September 8.
The only slight concern punters could have with the early second-favourite is where she may be positioned from barrier 1.
The Pike stable has a strong team of seven stepping out at Riccarton. It includes former New Zealand Derby winner Rangipo, who will clash returning southern sprinter Sensei in the open sprint.
Wingatui gallopers will make a raid of their own on the next Riccarton meeting.
Our Teddy Boy and William James went stride for stride up the Wingatui straight in the open heat at yesterday's jumpouts. They will have their next starts at Riccarton on October 6.
The first two horses home in the 2yr-olds heat will head to Riccarton for their first starts. Trainer Terry Kennedy produced a Jakkalberry filly from Hassle Free to win the heat ahead of Steve Tyler's Onceuponatime filly out of Malaka.
The De Boy looks as if he could do well this season when he won a maiden 1000m heat. The 4yr-old is likely to have his first start of the season for trainer Rodd McKenzie at Wingatui next month.
Smart mare Passito showed she was nearing a return to racing when she won the open 800m heat.
Trainer Graeme Mee produced an unnamed 5yr-old by Swiss Ace from Pamela Place to win yesterday's remaining heat, also over 800m. - Additional reporting NZ Racing Desk
