Pierata holds off Kementari
The Greg Hickman trained Pierata was the star of the Queensland Summer Carnival reeling off a string of eye-catching wins culminating in a lucrative victory in the $2million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas.
After a short break he took on the A graders in Sydney finishing second twice to Kementari in the Group II ATC Hobartville Stakes (1400m) and then the Group I ATC Randwick Guineas (1600m). On both occasions Pierata figured in the steward's report and you always had the feeling there was a little unfinished business between these two exceptional colts (images Steve Hart) .
Tuned up in recent barrier trials for their return, Godolphin trainer James Cummings had Kementari fit and ready fire, while Greg Hickman was confident Pierata was ready to give the favourite a run for his money.
With just three slots in the $13million The Everest in October up for grabs, the Missile Stakes had a special significance this year and it was game on!
Pierata raced closest to the lead, travelling on the outside of the pair behind the speed set by The Monstar while Kementari was two pairs further back.
Greg Hickman and James McDonald
"This horse, all he wants to does is want to please you," said winning rider James McDonald.
"He's a pretty good horse that only does what he has to.
"He got to them quick, got great acceleration. He moves like a dream.
"I wouldn't want it over again, hitting the lead at the furlong, that was a bit of a mistake.
"As a racehorse, he ticks all the boxes."
It was a relieved winning trainer Greg Hickman that welcomed his star galloper when he returned to scale.
"You always doubt things after running against restricted fields and the rest of it but it's all good now," Hickman said.
"The doubt's gone out of our mind.
"He goes alright this horse. He might be a bit special."
Following the win, Pierata's quote for The Everest was slashed into $11, from a high of $51 earlier this week.
"I don't really know what's happening with him in regards to what races he's running in," Hickman said. "We'll let the dust settle and worry about that next week."
Pierata as a yearling
Pierata was bred by Hobartville Stud and is a half-brother to Group III winning juvenile Ashokan.He is the fourth winner from Group III winning Flying Spur mare November Flight, who has a yearling colt by Rubick and will foal again this spring to Pierata's sire Pierro.
The reigning Champion Australian Second Season Sire, Golden Slipper winner Pierro has shown himself to be a remarkable source of quality performers, not just classic horses like his Derby hero Levendi and Oaks queen Pinot, but also a genuinely top class sprinter miler like Pierata.
The champion son of Lonhro stands at Coolmore this spring at a fee of $88,000.
