Pier aims to rejuvenate his spring campaign as he sets his sights on Hastings this upcoming weekend.
The four-year-old gelding had a lackluster performance, finishing eighth in the Group 2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa last month.
However, trainers Darryn and Briar Weatherley are optimistic about Pier’s prospects as he prepares to compete in the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) on Saturday.
Darryn Weatherley expressed confidence in Pier, 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 disappointing Foxbridge run, Weatherley added, “It (Foxbridge run) was a bit ordinary, and he never got up underneath Sam (Weatherley, jockey) at all.”
As for stablemate Mali Ston, who is the first emergency for the Group One feature, Weatherley is hopeful of a scratching.
“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.”
The Weatherleys will also be seeking stakes success earlier in the day with Group One performer Tulsi, who will be competing in the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m).
Weatherley noted the competitiveness of the 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.”
He also mentioned that Tulsi would be wearing visor blinkers to potentially enhance her performance.
Completing the stable’s Hastings lineup is Heart Of Gold. Weatherley mentioned Heart Of Gold’s preference for firm ground and expressed optimism, stating, “He is not out of it with a nice, light weight.”
Meanwhile, Weatherley expressed disappointment with Ess Vee Are’s recent first-up Australian run at Sandown, where he finished ahead of only one runner in his 1800m contest.
Weatherley analyzed the race, saying, “His run was very ordinary by the look of things.”
He also discussed Ess Vee Are’s suitability for longer distances, stating, “He is a horse that probably needs 2200m and a genuine race so he can get over the top of them.”
Weatherley indicated that the horse’s next race would depend on how he recovers and whether he regains his appetite for racing.
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