Leading Everest contender Pierata has run a comfortable second in a Warwick Farm barrier trial at his first appearance since he won the Group One All Aged Stakes.

Friday’s 1000m-heat on the course proper was won by Cradle Mountain who took up his customary front-running-role.

The Clare Cunningham-trained Cradle Mountain was sent back to the trials after his failure in the Winter Challenge last Saturday week.

Pierata was held together by Tommy Berry to finish 2-3/4 lengths from the leader with Kaonic almost four lengths away third.

Following his All Aged win, Pierata was bought by Aquis Farm for stud duties but his breeding career has been put on hold and he will run for Aquis in the $14 million Everest on October 19.

Pierata is on the third line of Everest betting at $8 behind Santa Ana Lane at $5 and Osborne Bulls at $7.

Credit: AAP