Trainer has high hopes for well-bred filly

Stephen Marsh has no doubts about the regally-bred Pierrocity measuring up to the best fillies in the country.

The Cambridge trainer’s only surprise about her first victory in the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale of 2YOs Maiden (1600m) at Te Rapa on Monday was that it took her three starts to open her 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 A$120,000 yearling purchase finished fourth in both her prior outings before she made no mistake at Te Rapa where she sat in third spot to the turn before drawing clear in the run home.

She 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 (2040m), Australian Cup (2000m), Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) and the Manikato Stakes (1200m).

“She’s going to be a top-class racehorse,” Marsh said of Pierrocity, who is nominated for the Gr.1 gavelhouse.com New Zealand Bloodstock 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.”