Trainer Gai Waterhouse has labelled her star three year old colt Pierro a champion after his dominating performance in the Group 3 Run To The Rose on Saturday.

The race was never in doubt with Pierro looming up in the straight to take the lead and pull away to win by 1 1/4 lengths from Your Song, with Epaulette a similar distance back in third.

The much anticipated head to head contest between Pierro and All Too Hard didn't live up to expectations with the latter horse making no impression on the race, finishing fifth out of six runners.

But that didn't hurt the celebrations of the winning party, whos super horse now takes his record to 7 wins from 7 starts.

"He is an outstanding, outstanding colt. He is Australia's best by far," Waterhouse said after the race.

Her confidence was obvious during her post-race interview. "I wasn't going to start him if I didn't think he could wipe the floor with these horses."

She also stated Pierro would not run in the $1 million Golden Rose in a fortnight, instead focusing on the Stutt Stakes at Moonee Valley. This plan is to give Pierro a good workout at the track, in preparation for a shot at the Cox Plate in October.

Pierro is now strong favourite for the Cox Plate, with Waterhouse's stable star, More Joyous, a clear second.

Nechita is now favourite for the Golden Rose in Pierro's absence, with Kabayan to now fly the flag in that race for Team Waterhouse.