Grand Pierro targets 2026 Melbourne Cup as trainer Jason Warren lines up qualifiers

Trainer Jason Warren is working to secure a place for the stayer Grand Pierro in the 2026 Melbourne Cup at Flemington on 3 November. After finishing fourth in the Mildura Cup, Grand Pierro will run in the Travis Harrison Cup at Caulfield on Saturday and is being prepared for the key Melbourne Cup qualifier, The Archer, slated for 12 September at Flemington.

Warren says the horse has proven stamina in races such as the Bagot and Adelaide Cups and, while not an obvious Melbourne Cup contender, could finish in the first half of the field if given the chance. Victoria’s remaining qualifiers include the Bart Cummings (3 October), the Geelong Cup (21 October) and the Moonee Valley Gold Cup (24 October). Nominations close on 1 September. Warren also plans a 2,000‑metre run at Caulfield in three weeks to sharpen Grand Pierro ahead of The Archer.