Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Keeping veteran pacer Acuto in a happy frame of mind is the formula for success, according to the gelding’s owner-trainer Chris Phatouros.
Nine-year-old Acuto celebrated his 110TH start by scoring an easy all-the-way win in the 2130m Sky Racing Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night when he was the $1.90 favourite from the No. 1 barrier.
Kyle Symington sent Acuto straight to the front and was able to get away with a slow lead time of 39.6sec. and opening quarters of leisurely 32.6sec. and 30.9sec. before dashing over the final 400m sections in 28.4sec. and 27.4sec. and winning by just over a length from $21 chance Rockaball, rating a modest 2.0.1.
Replying to a query of what is the secret of Acuto’s success and his longevity, Phatouros said: “Mainly keeping him happy. He lives in a paddock of green grass and doesn’t get stabled unless there’s a storm.
“I don’t work him too hard. I hopple him and gallop him in the cart at home. He likes that more than trackwork. Tonight, I was the most confident I’ve been for years before a race. He goes super in front.
“When he won about six weeks ago, he ran a lead time of 36.4sec. and he led and won by about 15 metres. I was more confident when I saw him run a slow lead time tonight, and he finished with the plugs in.”