Darryn and Briar Weatherley’s Group One winner Pier is set to make a welcome return to their Matamata stable at the start of next month following a wind operation.
Trainers Darryn and Briar Weatherley were rapt with Bulgari’s runner-up effort behind Belle Cheval in the Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) at Ellerslie last Saturday, and they are now eyeing further stakes targets at the Auckland track.
“You have got a dual Cox Plate (Gr.1, 2040m) winner in Via Sistina in the field, but I really believe he deserves his spot in the field, and she will know he is there.”
Kiwi Group One winner Pier will not feature in this year’s Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m), but he will still have the opportunity to run for a A$5 million stake back in Sydney.
An Australian winter spell has agreed with Group One winner Pier, who is set to kick-off his spring preparation in the Gr.2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
Pier’s latest black type success at Eagle Farm prompted major celebrations, but there was also a bittersweet side for connections of the high-class son of Proisir.
“This horse has achieved what I expected he would. I truly believe he would have been a force to be reckoned with in the Straddie, but maybe next year."
