Pierro wins Silver Slipper

Lonhro colt Pierro stamped himself as a genuine G1 Golden Slipper Stakes contender with his decisive win in the G2 Silver Slipper Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill.

Pierro created an immediate impression with his debut success in the Listed Breeders Plate (1000m) at Randwick earlier in the season before the Gai Waterhouse-trained two-year-old showed natural improvement to remain unbeaten in the Silver Slipper Stakes.

Pierro started slowly before settling back off the speed early in the race. The heavy track proved no obstacle for Pierro as the striking bay swept past his opposition in the straight to record an impressive victory.

Pierro is likely to have at least one more run before the G1 Golden Slipper Stakes. The Darley-bred youngster is out of the Daylami mare Miss Right Note, who is a half-sister to Octagonal’s G1-winning son Laverock. Laverock won the G1 Gran Premio del Jockey Club in Italy as well as the G1 Prix d’Ispahan in France in 2006.

Miss Right Note foaled a sister to Pierro in 2011 before Street Cry served the mare during the last breeding season.

Waterhouse paid $230,000 for Pierro at the 2011 Magic Millions Yearling on the Gold Coast. The catalogue for the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale in April will feature 26 yearlings sired by last season’s Australian champion stallion.