Ben Pearce says speedy seven-year-old Acromantula can measure up again and repeat last year’s heroics when he returns to contest a second interstate campaign in Melbourne on Saturday.
Acromantula enjoyed a positive Melbourne stint 12-months ago and Ben Pearce, who trains the gelding in partnership with his brother, Dan, is planning another successful assault in the Dominant Actizone Handicap (1000m) at Moonee Valley.
Acromantula has followed an almost identical preparation to last year to kick off his Melbourne path when he contests a Benchmark 100 contest over the exact distance at the same track before plotting a path to defend his Carlyon Stakes crown.
The son of Written Tycoon ran a close third to Sweet Ride (1000m) first up before reaching a career peak in the Listed Carlyon Stakes (1000m) when he jumped straight to the front and ran his rivals ragged to score by an easy length for jockey, Craig Williams.
Pearce says he’s not sure if Acromantula is going any better than a year ago but is confident after two impressive Lark Hill trials victories he goes in with a fitter horse.
“I think he’s fitter, “Pearce said to The Races WA.
“Last year we just gave him the one trial because it was the first time we travelled with him.
“We sort of left a bit in the tank thinking he would tighten up with the travel, which he didn’t, he travelled so well.
“This year we learnt from that and gave him a second trial and his fitness is better.
“We gave him a good gallop at home on Monday and he worked good.
“He’s travelled super and I can’t get enough feed into him.
“You feed him and it’s gone an hour later, he’s taken no harm from the travel.”
Acromantula meets a small field of six rivals for his return Melbourne engagement and from barrier one he’ll be reunited with Craig Williams.
“I don’t think they’ll be able to cross him from barrier one,” Pearce said.
“I spoke to Craig’s manager and he said it was a very winnable race for him.”
In a wide betting affair, Acromantula is currently $5 with Tab touch.
Mornington Glory and Scuderia share $4.80 favouritism.
Taunting is $5, Moonhaven $5.50 and Keep Reading $6.50.
A distance specialist, all of Acromantula’s eight wins have been over 1000m.
In first-up starts, he’s finished top three in five of six races.
Pearce hopes Acromantula can follow a stable trend following the win of Soso Lucky at Belmont on Wednesday and Jive King at Northam today (Thursday).
Sailing along the fence, Soso Lucky made the jump from a Bunbury maiden to a Class 3 look easy and makes it two from two to maintain her unbeaten status.
“She was good, Pearce said.
“She’s one of those good horses that can overcome things.
“I didn’t know that the heavy track was going to be suitable from that inside draw.
“She made it work and it’s exciting to see what she can do in the next 12-months.
“It’s her first race prep and we won’t be going too hard this time in.
“She’s pulled up well and will give her another one at least.”
