Short priced favourite Pierata will have to pass a second vet check on Friday before being allowed to take his place in Saturday’s $2m Magic Millions 3yo Guineas (1400m) at the Gold Coast.
Melbourne Cup winning jockey Corey Brown, above, takes the ride on Pierata in the 2018 Magic Millions 3yo Guineas at the Gold Coast. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.
Pierata is all the rage for the $2m race for the three year old years at $2.30 with Ladbrokes.com.au but Racing Queensland Integrity Commission Stewards have ordered a follow up check on the Greg Hickman trained colt.
Racing Queensland chief steward Allan Reardon said that the vets weren’t completely happy with Pierata condition and will reassess in twenty-four hours.
“I understand there is no real issue with him but they just want to see him again tomorrow (Friday),” Reardon told AAP.
Pierata has drawn the pole position in the Magic Millions 3yo Guineas and will be ridden by Melbourne Cup winning jockey Corey Brown.
QRIC Stewards also tweeted that Magic Millions 3yo Guineas runners Arrestar and Smartedge will also have to undergo a second inspection before being passed fit to start on Saturday.
$2m Magic Millions 2yo Classic runners Quackerjack and first emergency Paquirri will also have to pass a second inspection on Friday before being cleared to take their place in the field.
“QRIC Vet Reports – PIERATA, QUACKERJACK, PAQUIRRI examined today and will undergo further examination tomorrow. ARRESTAR lame near hind & SMART EDGE lame behind and both examined tomorrow. LADY OF CREBILLY Abcess off fore heel be examined tomorrow ,” QRIC Stewards tweeted.
Pierata is in line to win a $500,000 3yo Summer Crown Bonus if he can claim a third win in the four race Series over the Queensland Summer Carnival, that includes the Magic Millions 3yo Guineas.
Wins in the $100,000 Rupert Plate (1200m) at Doomben on December 2 and in the Group 3 $200,000 Vo Rogue Plate (1350m) at Doomben on December 30 have made Pierata eligible to collected the $500,000 bonus with a win in the Magic Millions 3yo Guineas.
The Warwick Farm trained Pierro colt’s other run north of the border this campaign saw him finish an unlucky second to Saturday’s rival Whypeeo in the Listed $100,000 Gold Edition Plate (1200m) at Doomben on December 17.
