Pierro Lad demonstrated plenty of determination to secure a thoroughly deserved maiden victory at Kembla Grange on Saturday, prevailing in a thrilling finish to the $60,000 Moretti Constructions Super 3YO Maiden Plate over 1400 metres.
Sent out as the $2.20 favourite, the Ciaron Maher-trained gelding began cleanly from barrier six and was quickly placed in a prominent position by jockey Keagan Latham.
With My Country Boy setting the pace, Pierro Lad settled comfortably in second throughout the early and middle stages, enjoying a smooth run while remaining within striking distance of the leader.
Photo: Bradley Photos
Latham allowed Pierro Lad to move closer approaching the home turn before asking him for his effort as the field entered the straight. The son of Pierro quickly responded, moving up to challenge My Country Boy and hitting the front as the pressure intensified.
Pierro Lad was made to earn the victory, with World Wide, Rapid Revenue and My Country Boy all refusing to surrender. The four horses were spread across the track in a desperate charge towards the winning post, but Pierro Lad continued to find under Latham’s vigorous riding.
In a performance that displayed both his rawness and will to win, Pierro Lad held off World Wide by 0.2 lengths, with Rapid Revenue another 0.1 lengths away in third and showed there is plenty of upside to come from the son of Pierro as he continues to learn his race craft.
Photo: Bradley Photos
The result was a well-earned breakthrough for the consistent three-year-old, who had placed on four previous occasions and had rarely been far away throughout the early stages of his career.
By champion racehorse and outstanding stallion Pierro from the Not A Single Doubt mare Lady Grazier, Pierro Lad was selected and purchased by Triple Crown for $105,000 from the Yarraman Park Stud draft at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Saturday’s performance showed his willingness to compete when challenged and should provide him with plenty of confidence as he progresses through the grades.
Congratulations to champion trainer Ciaron Maher, jockey Keagan Latham and Pierro Lad’s owners: Triple Crown lady Grazier Syndicate, Boolistic Syndicate, 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.
Photo: Bradley Photos