Pierata on course for big bonus

Connections of smart Sydney three-year-old Pierata have knocked back some big offers for him and the colt has confirmed they were correct at Doomben.

Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Corey Brown made the trip from the Sydney and gave Pierata ($3) the run of race before easily winning the $100,000 Winning Rupert Plate (1200m) on Saturday.

Pierata took a major step towards a $500,000 bonus for winning three of five three-year-old races in the summer, of which the Winning Rupert is the first leg.

Trainer Gregory Hickman said Pierata would chase the Listed Gold Edition Stakes on December 16 and the Group Three Vo Rogue Plate on December 30.

“It will then be on to the Magic Millions Guineas (January 13). I think he is a very smart horse and he is not there yet. He has more to give,” Hickman said.

Pierata raced in Brisbane in the winter and finished third in the Sires’ Produce and midfield in the Group One JJ Atkins Stakes.

“The travelling has helped him a lot. He trialled very well before this run and we were very confident,” Hickman said.

After his trial, Pierata’s connections were offered a big price but Hickman said the owners were happy to race him themselves.

Brown gave up rides in Sydney to go to Brisbane to ride Pierata.

“It made the trip worthwhile. He is a smart horse,” Brown said.

Bring It Home Pop ($3) is also headed towards the Magic Millions Guineas after finishing second.