Former jockey Mark Newnham will make a return to the saddle to ride star colt Pierro in a barrier trial on Tuesday.
Newnham, raceday foreman and a track rider for the Gai Waterhouse stable, is Pierro’s regular work partner.
With Nash Rawiller sidelined by a broken ankle, Newnham has received the call-up.
“It’s about 12 months since I rode in a trial,” Newnham said.
“I keep my licence up just in case I’m needed.
“I ride him in most of his work and have done pretty much all his life.
“He feels great. He has strengthened up and matured.”
Waterhouse has not yet decided on a campaign for Pierro who holds entries for the Newmarket Handicap, Australian Guineas and Doncaster Mile.
The winner of last season’s juvenile triple crown, Pierro was last seen when third in the Cox Plate won by Ocean Park from All Too Hard.
Pierro suffered his first defeat when runner-up to Black Caviar’s half brother All Too Hard in the Caulfield Guineas.
All Too Hard was given a work-out at Flemington on Friday ahead of a planned start in next week’s weight-for-age C F Orr Stakes at Caulfield.
