Connections of Acromantula are targeting a repeat victory in the Listed Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on August 24.
The seven-year-old sprinter, trained by Dan and Ben Pearce, returns for his second interstate campaign in Melbourne this Saturday, where he’ll compete in a 1000-metre handicap at The Valley.
After winning two trials at Lark Hill last month, Acromantula will reunite with Craig Williams, who guided him to his sole stakes victory last year.
“I think he’s fitter,” Ben Pearce told The Races WA.
“Last year, we gave him just one trial because it was the first time we traveled with him. We sort of left a bit in the tank, thinking he would tighten up with the travel, which he didn’t—he traveled so well.
“This year, we learned 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 traveled 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, drawing barrier one, will face six rivals on Saturday. Pearce is confident in their position.
“I don’t think they’ll be able to cross him from barrier one,” he said.
“I spoke to Craig’s manager, and he said it was a very winnable race.”
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