Pierro Lad continued his outstanding progression at Canterbury on Wednesday, making it three wins on the trot with an impressive metropolitan breakthrough over 1550 metres.
The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding has gone from maiden company to metropolitan Benchmark 72 level in the space of just over a month and, importantly, appears to be getting better with every start.
After breaking through over 1400 metres at Kembla Grange on July 25 and following up over 1500 metres at Hawkesbury on August 11, Pierro Lad faced his toughest assignment yet in the $60,000 Hyland Race Colours Handicap at Canterbury.
Once again, he was up to the challenge.
With Keagan Latham aboard for the third consecutive time, Pierro Lad enjoyed a good run from barrier two before producing a strong finish in the straight, drawing clear over the concluding stages to defeat Pierata’s Gem by 1.2 lengths, with Rileycat in third.
It was his most convincing victory to date and particularly encouraging given the step up into metropolitan Benchmark 72 company and the testing Soft 7 conditions.
Latham has developed an excellent association with Pierro Lad, having partnered him in each of his three wins, and was again very positive in his post-race report to owners.
The experienced jockey said that the gelding continues to improve as he learns his craft and becomes more professional, while also giving the impression that there is further upside as he progresses over longer distances.
Trainer Ciaron Maher was similarly pleased with the performance and the way Pierro Lad continues to build through his preparation.
“We’ve been able to progressively raise the bar with each run this prep – increasing both the distance and level of competition – and Pierro Lad has continued to answer every question asked of him. Today’s run was his best to date and there’s more to come. He’s a talented horse who’s building in confidence.”
Triple Crown’s Sam Manion was trackside celebrating with Pierro Lad’s owners and was likewise impressed. “Pierro Lad’s been a talented horse from early days, but it took his first racing prep to learn and get the race education he needed.” Sam said. “In fact, he’s still learning but you can see with each run that he’s starting to execute his races better with each start.”
Perhaps most encouragingly, the feeling from both the stable and Triple Crown is that there is still plenty more improvement to come.
Pierro Lad’s progression this preparation certainly supports that view.
His first victory came by a narrow 0.2 lengths at Kembla Grange, before he showed similar determination to score by 0.34 lengths at Hawkesbury. At Canterbury, however, he took another step forward, putting a clear margin on his rivals despite facing considerably stronger opposition.
In just 32 days, he has progressed from maiden winner to Class 1 winner and now metropolitan Benchmark 72 winner.
The victory takes Pierro Lad’s career record to three wins, one second and three thirds from 10 starts, with all three victories coming consecutively this preparation.
By champion racehorse and outstanding sire Pierro from the Not A Single Doubt mare Lady Grazier, Pierro Lad was selected and purchased by Triple Crown for $105,000 from Yarraman Park at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
He is developing into a very progressive racehorse and, with his racing manners continuing to improve and the prospect of further distance looking likely to suit, there is plenty to look forward to as he continues to work his way through the grades.
Congratulations to Ciaron Maher and his team, jockey Keagan Latham, and Pierro Lad’s fantastic group of owners: Triple Crown Lady Grazier, Boolistic, Ian Brill, Paul Briotti, Scott Carroll, Nick Ennis, Robert Franklin, Gudonya Racing, Bradley Hogg, Peter Hughes, David Langley, Lexen Racing Syndicate, Jamie Lord, Michael Lunt, Peta Newsam, Michael O’Connor, Thomas Owen, Mark Peters, Michael Schulz, Jamie Smith, Guy Tristram and Michael Woo.