Following seconds at Hawkesbury and Canterbury to kick-start his career, it was third time lucky for the John O'Shea-trained Pizarro at Warwick Farm on Wednesday. However, he would not have wanted one metre further than the 1300m.
After getting the better of the leader Publicist, the son of All Too Hard was all out to hold the Hinchinbrook first-starter Arnold by a half-head with the Press Statement gelding Regal Pom a length and a quarter back in third.
"It felt like he was beaten three or four times in the straight," winning jockey James McDonald said.
"He has done well to knuckle down and dig deep. He has a bright future, but he has his quirks and is still very raw.
"He wanted to run around, but he is a lovely horse."
Stable representative Tom Charlton agreed Pizarro has plenty to learn.
&quo
"I think the trouble was that he was a little slow away, and James gave him a good dig. He was left in front a long way out, and it's the first time he has been there. He will make the grade in time.
"John has been very patient with him. That's his first preparation done. He will take good benefit off it."
Purchased by Champion Thoroughbreds / John O'Shea Racing for $150,000 from the Vinery Stud draft at the 2020 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, Pizarro is a half-brother to Group III VRC The Vanity and Listed SAJC Morphettville Guineas winner Bonvicini (Myboycharlie).
Bred by Greg Perry, Pizarro is the second foal of the Testa Rossa mare Orvieto who started five times for two wins at Geelong and one at Kyneton and was third at Caulfield.
Out of the stakes-placed Unbridled's Song (USA) mare Radio Song, Orvieto has a yearling filly by Dundeel but has slipped in the past two seasons.
All Too Hard has 24 catalogued for the Gold Coast and 14 at the Inglis Classic.
