Thursday, 28 June 2012: An early touch of spring is in the air at Randwick with Gai Waterhouse welcoming back an imposing list of Group One stars after winter spells.
 | Pierro
Photo by Racing and Sports | |
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More Joyous 
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Pierro head the list of big names returning to Waterhouse's stables to begin their spring preparations.
Champion two-year-old PIerro returned on Monday accompanied by Waterhouse's Magic Millions winner Dreifontein and Raceway.
Waterhouse describes Pierro as "the brightest young talent in Australian racing" and is eagerly looking forward to his spring campaign.
Unfortunately Waterhouse wasn't at the stable to welcome the return of her stars as she is overseas for the wedding of her daughter Kate and former rugby league star Luke Ricketson.
Pierro could follow the spring path blazed by Luskin Star after his undefeated two-year-old season that saw him join the elite group to win the Golden Slipper (1200m), Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) and Champagne Stakes (1600m).
Luskin Star also won the 2YO Triple Crown and then won the Caulfield Guineas as a spring 3YO before he tackled the Cox Plate where he ran ninth as favourite.
Waterhouse has the same lofty plans for Pierro.
Pierro is already valued at more than $15 million and his stud value will soar further if he adds more G1 wins to his record in the spring.
Meanwhile Waterhouse is mapping out an assault on the Grafton Cup carnival with a team expected to tackle several races over the two main days on July 11 and 12.
Among her targets is the $40,000 NBN Inglis Bonus Plate for two-year-olds, a race carrying a $50,000 bonus for the winner of sold at an Inglis sale.
Waterhouse has named the talented youngster [n]Rampaging as the youngster she has set for the Grafton race.
Rampaging raced twice at Canterbury in January and February for a second and a win and was p;laced in a barrier trial at Randwick last week.
