3 minute read

Acromantula represents the Pearce stable in the Listed Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday and the confidence levels are high that their speedy sprinter has made improvement from a top Melbourne debut.

Acromantula returns to Moonee Valley for the second time in a fortnight after giving supporters a bold sight in the SteveOs Scamper Handicap (1000m) when he was in front with 100m remaining before being cut down late.

In a bunched finish Acromantula, ridden by ace jockey, Damian Lane, ran third to Sweet Ride and Omni Man with Ashford Street fourth, just a half-length separating the four runners across the line in a tight finish.

Ben Pearce, who trains in partnership with his brother, Dan, is confident Acromantula can turn the tables on Omni Man and Ashford Street, citing the sets weights and penalties of the Carlyon Stakes as been a decisive factor in their gelding's favour.

Acromantula meets Sweet Ride 5.5kg's better for that close defeat and gets a 3.5kg swing on Omni Man and Ashford Street.

"He's really good and going super," Ben Pearce said.

"Dan hadn't seen him for a few weeks and liked what he saw.

"He said he's looking good, tightened up and has come through the run well.

"I galloped him on Tuesday and liked his work.

"He's spot on for tomorrow (Saturday)."

With scratchings of Midwest and Sweetened, the Carlyon Stakes is down to an evenly-matched nine starters.

Acromantula will jump from barrier four and be ridden by Craig Williams, replacing the suspended Lane.

Acromantula is currently $4.20 with TABtouch, sitting behind Omni Man $3.30 and Generation $4.

"He's drawn a gate and is suited by the set weights and penalties of the race," Pearce said.

"That first up run was a bit of an afterthought, it was a chance to get a hit out so he is primed for the second up run.

"We're pleased with him and think he has come on; he's meeting similar horses from a better gate.

"It all looks pretty good."

Meanwhile, back home at Belmont in the Idyllic Prince Stakes (1300m), Let's Galahvant will look to build on his previous run when an improved second behind Flying Missile in the Jockey Celebration Day Stakes (1400m).

"He was pretty good the other day and it was a good effort," Pearce said.

"I'm not sure he is 100 per cent suited at weight-for-age.

"He's heading in the right direction and will be back in Kalgoorlie for the Hannans."

Michael Poy rides Let's Galahvant, who jumps from gate six in the Idyllic Prince Stakes.

Let's Galahvant won last year's Hannans defeating Titan Blinders by a short-head.

Acromantula, a son of Written Tycoon, has won seven races from 24 starts, all at 1000m.

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