Debut Win for Promising Pierro 3YO

There was a short priced favourite in the 1500m maiden at Bendigo on Wednesday, but she will have to wait for another day to break the ice having been outgunned at the finish by talented first starter Aztec State (3g Pierro x Arizona Belle, by Redoute's Choice).

Trained by Ben, Will and JD Hayes, Aztec State carries the colours of his breeder Yulong after passing in shy of a modest $80,000 reserve at Magic Millions and the decision to keep him may well be a good one.

Aztec State was strong right through the line for Mick Dee to hold the favourite off and win by a head in a thoroughly pleasing performance. He had to do work early to get across and take a position and then had to take the field up to a tearaway leader, so was entitled to be beaten and yet he still won!

Aztec State is the first winner for Irish bred import Arizona Belle, an unraced half-sister by Redoute’s Choice to Melbourne Cup and Australian Cup winner Fiorente, which probably goes a fair to explaining the obvious stamina Aztec State showed at his first race start.

Pierro is enjoying a good run as we move into spring with new stakes-winner Kalino, Group I contender Osipenko working into form and the promising filly Mollyknickers an acceptor for the Group I ATC Flight Stakes in Sydney on Saturday.