Gai Waterhouse declared her unbeaten colt Pierro is a perfect fit for the Golden Slipper after his courageous victory in G2 Todman Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Waterhouse has won Golden Slippers with Ha Ha, Dance Hero and Sebring and she will go into this year’s race with several runners hoping to get the better of hot favourite Samaready.  Pierro is the best of her colts having won the LR Breeders’ Plate in October and the G2 Silver Slipper earlier this month.

Pierro (2c Lonhro – Miss Right Note by Daylami) had to pull out plenty after being headed for a few strides by the Black Opal Stakes winner Epaulette.  “He is a very tough horse,” Waterhouse said.  “He’s everything you look for in a two-year-old.  He can coast, he can take a sit and he can pick up the bit.  What you see is what you get.”

Pierro was a $115,000 buy for Musk Creek Farm owner David Kobritz as a foal before going under the hammer again for $230,000 at the 2011 Gold Coast Magic Millions.  He is from a half sister to Octagonal stayer Laverock who was a G1 winner at Milan and Longchamp.

“Pierro was a standout when we visited Musk Creek Farm before the sales,” Waterhouse recalled.  “David’s draft was terrific and I ended up purchasing three of them at the Magic Millions.

“I picked Pierro out for Greg and Donna Kolivos.  He was on our short list from day dot being such a strong, masculine and tough looking colt.”