Ben Pearce hasn’t given up on Acromantula making an impact in Melbourne and that prediction could come as soon as Saturday at Caulfield.
Perth’s speedy sprinter is on the quick turnaround after finishing sixth in last Saturday’s Carlyon Stakes (1000m), a Listed race he won a year ago.
Pearce, who co-trains with his brother, Dan, is overlooking Acromantula’s defeat and says he’s optimistic of a bounce back in the Group 3 Heath Stakes (1100m).
“It was frustrating because it was a good run (Carlyon),” Pearce said to Racing WA.
“He just reared up as the gates opened.
“If he jumped with them, he could have gone closer.
“He was only beaten 2 ½ lengths.”
Meanwhile, Pearce’s winter star, Triple Jay, will go around again in a fortnight, effectively ruling out a crack at the Group 1 Railway Stakes.
The Street Boss gelding has only been beaten once this campaign, first up, but since his return he’s reeled off four straight wins.
After taking out the Jockey Celebration Day Stakes (1400m) and Blue Spec Stakes (1650m), Triple Jay will chase Listed grade in a fortnight.
“He’ll go to the Farnley,” Pearce said.
“I’m probably leaning that way, give him a proper spell and come back in the autumn for races like the Pinjarra Classic and Bunbury Stakes.
“If he blew them away you could get a clean run at a Railway next year.
“We’ve been patient to this point, why rush?
“He hasn’t won a stakes race yet, so it’s hard to tip him out for a Railway.
“It’s too much too soon, but we will reassess after the Farnley.”
Perfect Chant is yet to make her debut but is making a lot of positive noise at trials.
A Toronado filly, she’s won both her heats impressively, collectively by margins of seven lengths.
Pearce is excited by what lays ahead for Perfect Chant.
“She’s a half to Storm Chaser,” Pearce said.
“She’s our nicest three-year-old.
“My partner Chloe said she’s the fastest horse she’s galloped.
“In three weeks, she’ll go to a 3YO 1200m race on a Saturday.”