Top class sprinter Pierata rebounded from an unlucky fifth in the $14million The Everest last month to score a stylish length victory in the inaugural $1million ATC Redzel Stakes (1300m).
Prepared by Greg Hickman, the five year-old stallion was forced to travel wide after jumping from an outside gate, but found plenty when it mattered for Tommy Berry to surge away and win with authority carrying the colours of Aquis Farm for the first time.
Pierata defeated Group I winners Trekking and Le Romain and the $580,000 winner's cheque was bolstered by a $750,000 bonus as the son of Pierro was an Everest runner.
"We ran super in the Everest and today was probably just a little consolation," Hickman said.
"To have Aquis colours on for the first time and to win for them, it's pretty special.
"It's been an amazing ride and he's been amazing horse. Hopefully he'll do a good job at stud.
"He's been a wonderful horse to work with and go along with his career."
A $160,000 Magic Millions purchase for Greg Hickman from the Kitchwin Hills draft, Pierata runs for a big syndicate of some 20 owners that now includes Aquis Farm, who will stand him at stud next season.
He has the imposing record of nine wins and eight placings from 23 starts with prizemoney in excess of $4.8 million.
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 two year-old colt by Rubick that made $900,000 at Inglis Easter and is back in foal to Pierata’s sire Pierro.
Pierro has shown himself to be a remarkable source of quality performers, not just classic horses like his Derby hero Levendi, Oaks queen Pinot and Spring Champion Stakes winner Shadow Hero, but also Group I WATC Kingston Town Classic winner Arcadia Queen and Hong Kong Derby winner Furore.
Pierro stands at Coolmore this spring at a fee of $88,000.
