![Pierata - image Steve Hart Pierata - image Steve Hart](/breeding/news_images/2019%20racehorses/pierata_allaged_600.jpg)
Pierata - image Steve Hart
"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.''