In preparation for this weekend's race at Hastings, Pier, a four-year-old gelding, aims to bounce back from his disappointing eighth-place finish in the Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa last month.
Trained by Darryn and Briar Weatherley, the team is optimistic about Pier's performance in the upcoming Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m).
Darryn Weatherley provided insights into Pier's readiness, stating, “He is well in himself, his work has been good and he has got the change of gear with the visor blinkers on. We are hoping that sharpens him up for the 1400m on Saturday.”
Reflecting on Pier's previous race, Weatherley acknowledged, “It (Foxbridge run) was a bit ordinary and he never got up underneath Sam (Weatherley, jockey) at all. He was just running away from the horses inside him, got on the wrong leg and never got comfortable at any stage of the race.”
Weatherley remained uncertain whether the performance was due to sand kick-back or the wide draw but emphasized the need to move forward.
Pier's favorable barrier draw (3) for the weekend brings hope for a strong showing.
Furthermore, the Weatherley's are eager for a scratching before the race, allowing stablemate Mali Ston, the first emergency, to participate in the Group One feature.
Weatherley expressed enthusiasm, saying, “I would love to get him in the race. He has been very bright and well within himself. He would certainly run a cheeky race if he got in the field.”
In addition to Pier's race, the Weatherleys have another contender, Tulsi, set to compete in the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m).
Weatherley commented on the competitive field, stating, “It is a very even lot in the Gold Trail. You could make a case for any of the fillies that are in there.” Tulsi will also wear visor blinkers to potentially enhance her performance.
Completing the stable's presence at Hastings, Heart Of Gold .
Weatherley noted, “All of his wins have been on the synthetic track, but he is just not a synthetic horse,” highlighting the horse's preference for firm ground and the hope for favorable conditions.
Meanwhile, in Australia, Ess Vee Are's first-up run at Sandown disappointed Weatherley, where the horse finished ahead of only one runner in the 1800m contest.
Weatherley explained, “His run was very ordinary by the look of things. We will just assess how he is.”
He elaborated on the challenging circumstances, mentioning the high weight and fast pace, and expressed the need for a longer race.
Weatherley concluded, “He will have three weeks between races if he does go again and he will only run if he picks up.”