Ken Casellas | Photo: Hamilton Content Creators
A sparkling start from the 10-metre line paved the way for veteran pacer Acuto’s decisive win in the 2503m The Trots WA Handicap at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Acuto, owned and trained by Chis Phatouros, was a $7.80 chance who gave his rivals little chance of winning by bowling along at a solid pace. He was rated perfectly by Kyle Symington and won by just under a length from $5.509 chance American Bullitt, who raced three back on the pegs in fifth position before finishing solidly. Seeryanfly, the $3.10 favourite, dashed forward in the early stages and raced in the breeze before finishing gamely to be third.
“I bought Acuto for $15,000 after watching his New Zealand race replays,” said the 56-year-old Phatouros. “He began really well, and he raced against some good horses, including Turn It Up in November 2018. Two starts after that race Turn It Up won the Auckland Cup.”
Acuto is bred to be a winner. He is by Canadian sire Art Official and is the eleventh foal out of brilliant pacing mare Oaxaca Lass, who had 48 starts for 19 wins, 13 placings and stakes of $456,134. Acuto’s half brother Condrieu won 14 races in Western Australia and was retired with a record of 94 starts for 22 wins, 27 placings and $269,520.
Oaxaca Lass had twelve starts in Australia in 2002 and 2003 for six wins, including the Queensland Derby at Albion Park and the Australian Oaks at Moonee Valley in 2002 and the Chariots Of Fire at Harlod Park the following year.
“Acuto hurt his leg a couple of years ago, but it is fine now,” said Phatouros. “It was slight damage to his nearside fore tendon, and he had a year off.”
Acuto’s 36 starts in WA have produced four wins and ten placings which have boosted his career record to 85 starts for 12 wins, 22 placings and stakes of $127,848.