Leading Everest contender Pierata has pleased trainer Greg Hickman with his comfortable second in a Warwick Farm barrier trial, his first appearance since he won the Group One All Aged Stakes.
Friday's 1000m-heat on the course proper was won by Cradle Mountain who took up his customary front-running-role.
Pierata was held together by Tommy Berry to finish 2-3/4 lengths from the leader and Hickman said he would have one more trial before he heads to the races, most likely in the Concorde Stakes on September 7.
The Group Three Concorde is shaping as a preview to the $14 million Everest on October 19 with Redzel, Sunlight, Santa Ana Lane, In Her time and Osborne Bulls all headed there.
“He did it under his own steam and did what we wanted him to do,” Hickman said.
“We will probably put the blinkers on him next trial and he will do a bit more.
“The plan then is to run in the Concorde and The Shorts and then decided if he needs another race before the Everest.”
Following his All Aged win, Pierata was bought by Aquis Farm for stud duties but his breeding career has been put on hold and he will run for Aquis in the $14 million Everest on October 19.
Pierata is on the third line of Everest betting at $8 behind Santa Ana Lane at $5 and Osborne Bulls at $7.