Group
I winning sprinter Pierata was in the news last week when it was revealed he
had been acquired by Aquis Farm, with plans for the four year-old son of Pierro
now focused on the 2019 Everest rather than an immediate stud career.
His
trainer Greg Hickman told Racing NSW Aquis already has a large roster of
stallions spread across three states, which meant they could afford to delay Pierata's stud debut until
2020.
"I know in my heart he hasn't had a taxing preparation this time in and we have
a very talented horse,'' Hickman said.
"They (Aquis) don't need to have another stallion into their system and they
want to run him in The Everest and send him to stud in 2020/21.
"People have underestimated this horse all the way along. The thing about this
horse is no matter how hard he runs he comes home and licks the bin out.''
Hickman said he expected to welcome an improved Pierata back to his stable when
the stallion starts his spring build-up later this year.
"He's only going to get stronger and better, I'm over the moon,'' Hickman said.
"You don't get this opportunity. I'm a small stable and you don't get many
opportunities to get a horse like him.
"I still want to win a Golden Slipper but you have to have the right horse in
the stable. Now I get a chance to run in The Everest.''