Sydney's premier trainer Gai Waterhouse, takes her latest pet project Pierro, to Melbourne's picturesque Moonee Valley for the running of the G2 Bill Stutt Stakes, to be contested over the metric mile. The tight, floodlit course will see the son of Lonhro, attempt an eighth straight success, in a career that is yet to taste defeat. Already the winner of the two year old triple crown in Sydney, the Golden Slipper, Sires Produce and the Champagne Stakes, and a very handsome $3,021,950 in prize money, he will be out for bigger and better things this Spring. Besides the Stutt Stakes, the $1,000,000 Caulfield Guineas and the $3,000,000 Cox Plate are also on the agenda. On paper he shouldn't have too much troube with tonight's opposition. Betting at the moment has him at about the 1-12 quote, and it's hard to his value improving that much, but it's always nice to see a prospect in action. Anyone wishing to have a look, you might try the link below. The race goes off 9:45pm Eastern Australian Time. If I've done the maths right, that's about 11:45am GMT. http://www.racingnetwork.com.au/cit...ate/2012-09-28/race/7/trackid/33/default.aspx PS. The race is today.
Cyc would love to catch a replay as I didn't see the race. Will look for one later. I was reading the other day that Gai Waterhouse now trains Fiorente
These Cup chances are now beginning to roll into town RV. Fiorente at the moment is a 25-1 shot according to a piece I just read. Comes here with decent form too. A few of the Cup bound animals go around tonight at the Valley. I'll hunt down a link for the two races and hopefully they will be ok later.
Fiorente is a nice horse was disappointed with his run in France last time out but he is capable on his day. That was very impressive from Pierro for the link Cyc
This is the first time I've even noticed Pierro exists - quick question Cyc - I seem to remember you saying that it's very common in Oz for the best 2yos to be retired straight to stud after their 2yo season. Sounds like Pierro has had about as good a 2yo season as is possible - why haven't they retired him? Thanks for the link, looks like some horse now I've done my research.
Cyc - I'm on More Joyous for the Cox Plate and I've heard that Pierro could be pulled out of the race because the trainer is desperate for MJ's career to end on a big high. 13/2 in UK MJ....
Sorry I can't answer you question about the horse's retirement DP. Some do retire, horses such as Sebring often fetch tens of million of dollars, so I suppose the risk factor in racing then on is too great. Others do have a 3 year old season. One of the best we're ever had, Vain, ran riot in his third year, so I guess it's one of those things that owners have to wrestle with. Personally, I'd not take the chance. And speaking of all time greats, Gai Waterhouse is of the opinion that Pierro is the best horse she's trained. But as we all know, trainers are often prone to such claims.
Again I have no answer to a question. You're right in believing that Waterhouse does want to see More Joyous win the Cox Plate. But she's be just as happy to see Pierro win it, as she's yet to win the race. More Joyous has been set for the race, where as Pierro is primarily aimed at the Guineas. But as he'll carry a postage stamp in the Cox Plate, he'll likely start there as well, provided he pulls up ok after the Guineas. One of the things that might drive Waterhouse on, is the fact that no Golden Slipper winner has ever won the Cox Plate. She's taken Manhattan Rain to a second as a three year old in 09, and she rates Pierro a much better horse, so it does look like he might run. But who knows. Anyways, best of luck with your bet Grizz. The race will be a cracker.
Cyc - I heard from a fairly reliable source that Pierro is now likely to miss the Cox Plate, Craig Williams has already jumped off and is claimed to ride Green Moon, is this confirmed over there ? Not quite a Henderson sized cheat up but he can be laid on the fair around 100/30
Grizz, Pierro was rolled in the Guineas last Saturday. To say that the ride on him was short of decent is no unwarranted. He was hustled out and had to ridden to too hard too early. Williams then probably went too early when he went for home and was nailed in the last 50m. But the run was enough put doubts in the rider's mind. He was then offered the ride on Green Moon. He had a word with Waterhouse and she said he could take the GM ride. Pierro at the moment is still a runner and is to ridden by Sydney gun Cory Brown. There was also serious doubt whether Williams could make the 49'5 kgs for the Cox Plate. As things stand at the moment, Pierro stands as the 5-2 favourite.
Cheers Cyc. What I was told over the weekend was that More Joyous's disappointing run meant that she is now a great each way price for the Cox Plate. Also heard of a fairly angry exchange between Waterhouse and Williams on the phone where he was convinced the horse wasn't right....
Some serious **** flew after the ride. It's been panned big time. Try this link Ron. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im1_GcQaHNg
Pierro confirmed as an intended runner. My contact says there's a big doubt the horse stays 2000m even with the weight advantage, was given a tough race last time and they're convinced More Joyous represents massive each way value...
