Classy Sydney colt Pierata kept his chances of a huge pay day alive with an impressive win in the Group Three Vo Rogue Plate (1350m) at Doomben on Saturday.
Pierata assured himself of favouritism in the $2 million Magic Millions Guineas (1400m) on January 13 and a win in it would add a $500,000 bonus to the first prize of $1.2 million.
The $1.7million would be the biggest pay day for a single horse on one day in Queensland racing history.
Ridden a patient race by Corey Brown Pierata ($3.20) raced away to beat Dinnigan ($21) by 2 1/2 lengths with a long neck to Goodfella ($26) in third.
Pierata won the first leg of the summer three year old the Winning Rupert and was then very unlucky when second in the Gold Edition Plate at his next start.
Trainer Greg Hickman said while Pierata had been beaten last start he had quickly put it behind him.
“What is the use of worrying. It could have been three straight but it is what it is. We just had to get on with it and we are still there with a hope of the bonus,” Hickman said.
He used ear muffs on Pierata pre race in an effort to keep the colt calm on a big race day and will probably use the same tactics before the Magic Millions Guineas.
“They just kept him nice and relaxed before the race. As you saw today Pierata is very smart and there is a lot more to come with him,” Hickman said.
Winning jockey Corey Brown said Pierata had a very good turn of pace and would have no problems with the 1400m in the Guineas.
Dinnigan led for much of the race but doesn’t have enough money to make the Magic Millions Guineas field.
She is likely to chase the Magic Millions maiden on January 13.
Goodfella showed he was a definite Guineas hope with a strong finishing third and jockey Damian Lane said he would appreciate the 1400m.
