Pierro had the race favourite Patrina for the 1100 metre three year-old maiden
at Canterbury on Friday night, but when she was scratched at the barrier, the
Golden Slipper winning sire quickly found an able substitute.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained filly Aeecee Tong De was only fair
in her first three starts earlier this year, her best effort a second at Wyong
in May.
Recent trials had suggested Aeecee Tong De was a stronger filly this time
around and she certainly raced up to that assessment.
She bounced straight to the front for Rachel King and led all the way, fighting
on tenaciously to the line to win by a long neck.
"She pinged the gates, controlled the tempo and was never going to be beaten,"
said stable representative Emma Pearce.
"We've always thought she was city class, she just needed the time to
strengthen up."
A $120,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the Musk Creek draft for Gai Waterhouse/
Julian Blaxland, Aeecee Tong De is the first winner for Brandish, a half-sister
by Elusive Quality (USA) to stakes-winners Pistols and Keep the Faith.
Musk Creek will offer the current yearling from Brandish, a colt by Dissident,
at Magic Millions next month as Lot 562.