Pierro 3YO Headed to Sydney

Media Release - Wednesday March 19

Derby placegetter Golden Century will travel to Sydney next week to contest the Gr.2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill, ahead of a possible tilt at the A$2 million Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m).

While still a maiden after seven starts, Golden Century has shown promise from his debut and only narrowly missed the top honours in the Listed Gingernuts Salver (2100m) in January. He continued on to the $1.25 million Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) on Champions Day, where he missed the start and powered home to finish third behind Willydoit and Thedoctoroflove.

Golden Century (left) will contest next Saturday's Gr.2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens.   Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)

Tony Pike has always held the son of Pierro in high regard and the Cambridge horseman was rapt with the performance.

“He was very slow away and probably didn’t have all favours when trying to improve into the race, but he closed off the race very strongly late and his sectionals were some of the best of the race,” Pike said.

“He’s heading the right way, he’s been very much a work in progress but we always thought he would be a genuine stayer and we couldn’t have been happier with the run, albeit not winning.

“He’s come through the race in great order and obviously he seems to be improving with each run, so we’ll take him over for the Tulloch Stakes on Saturday-week, and if he performs well in that, there’s no reason that he won’t back up a week later in the Derby.

“We gave him four or five days in the paddock post-Derby and we just kept him ticking over, he’s dropping back in trip to 2000m for the Tulloch so we’ve tried to freshen him up a touch.

“He’ll gallop tomorrow morning (Thursday) before he heads over next Tuesday.”

Advertisement

While Golden Century was purchased earlier in the season by Australian syndicators OTI Racing, there is no certainty that he will remain across the Tasman after the Derby.

“We’re not quite sure yet, we’ll have that discussion post the Derby with OTI and make that call,” Pike said.

To be run at Royal Randwick, Golden Century is currently rated a $13 chance in the TAB Futures market for the Australian Derby, with Willydoit on top at $3.60 ahead of Goldrush Guru ($4.50).

Closer to home this Saturday, Pike will have a sole representative travelling to Trentham in Val Di Zoldo. A Group Two winner over 2100m, the mare has been in solid form this preparation and will contest the Gr.3 Wentwood Grange Cuddle Stakes (1600m).

“She’s coming up really well, her best form last year was during the autumn as well and she was very unlucky not to win the Travis Stakes at Group Two level,” Pike said.

“Third-up she should be peaking and it looks like a nice race for her, especially with the rain that is around. Any sort of cut in the track will benefit her.” – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
FBAA Mentorship Program - Successful Applicants Announced
The FBAA is excited to announce the selection of two mentees to participate in the second annual FBAA Mentorship Program commencing 19th May 2025.
Pierro 3YO Looking for Stakes Break Through Win
Potential Group One contender Golden Century will have his chance to shine on Sunday when he steps up to a middle distance on a roomier track.
Newgate to Offer Femminile at MM National
The month's Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale at the Gold Coast received an incredible update when rising staying star Femminile won the Group One SA Derby (2500m) at Morphettville yesterday.
Kentucky Derby Triumph for Godolphin
Sheikh Mohammed’s revered Godolphin racing and breeding operation have won Derbies all over the world, but until today the Kentucky Derby had proven elusive, but a three year-old colt called Sovereignty changed all that at Churchill Downs before a crowd in excess of 150,000.
Sires With Winners - Sunday May 4
Here is the full list of 51 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
OTI Move on Promising Pierro 3YO
Tony Pike is confident Golden Century can realise his full potential over ground and his opinion has been endorsed by a major international player.
Raining Black Type at Geisel Park
Geisel Park and its Group 1 racehorse and sire Manhattan Rain are poised to launch another winning wave in Group company at home and on the road with their fillies and mares in May.
Inglis Australian Weanlings - Unraced Trial Report
With the Inglis Australian Weanling sale kicking off on Monday don’t forget to check the unraced trialler report for a bit more intel on what might be coming.
2.3million Justify Colt Wins G1 Newmarket 2000 Guineas for Godolphin
The weekend started well for Godolphin when their unbeaten filly Good Cheer won the Group I Kentucky Oaks on Friday and it got even better on Saturday when record priced  €2.3million Justify colt Ruling Court landed the Group I Newmarket 2000 Guineas in the UK.
One to Watch – Sale
Reigning Australian Horse of the Year Pride of Jenni was not the only ‘Jenni’ making a trip to the winner’s circle this weekend.