Marsh has high hopes for well-bred filly
TRAINER Stephen Marsh has no doubts about the exceptionally-bred Pierrocity measuring up to the best fillies in the country.
The Cambridge trainer’s only surprise about its first victory in the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale of 2YOs Maiden at Te Rapa on Monday was that it took three starts to open the winning account.
“I’ve always had a massive opinion of her so I’m rapt to see her put her best foot forward,” Marsh said.
“I thought she’d win first-up and then second-up, but things just didn’t go right for her. She’s putting it all together now though.”
Off the back of two trial wins, the $120,000 yearling purchase finished fourth in both its prior outings before the horse made no mistake at Te Rapa where it sat in third spot to the turn before drawing clear in the run home.
The horse is bred to be good as a daughter of Pierro and Dane Ripper, a Danehill mare who won four times at the highest level in the Cox Plate, Australian Cup, Stradbroke Handicap and the Manikato Stakes.
“She’s going to be a top-class racehorse,” Marsh said of Pierrocity, who is nominated for the Group One New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). “I don’t know which way we’ll go yet, whether we go to Christchurch or wait for the Eight Carat and the Royal Stakes up here.”
Successful rider Danielle Johnson also holds Pierrocity in high regard.
“It’s a big relief for Stephen and I, she showed so much at the trials and today she showed what ability she’s got,” she said.
“On a better track you’re going to see a much better horse.”