Star jockey Craig Williams is looking forward to reuniting with Perth sprinter Acromantula at Moonee Valley.
The pair took out the Listed Norman Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at The Valley last year and the sprinter is back in Melbourne on a path towards that race 12 months later.
But first Acromantula will run in the Dominant Actizone Handicap (1000m) on Saturday, a race the gelding finished a close third in last year, under Damian Lane, before going on to claim the Norman Carlyon Stakes.
Acromantula has had two trials in Perth to prepare him for his first-up assignment and reports Williams has received from trainers Daniel and Ben Pearce suggest the sprinter is in good order.
“I believe he won a trial by five lengths, and he’s been targeted at this race to come over and compete,” Williams said.
“He’s won over the course and distance, and he is a really good quick horse that is effective around The Valley.
“I know his trainers are really excited about him coming over.
“I rode for them during their Perth Carnival late last year and won a lower-level race and since then they have been in contact with my manager about riding him again.”
In winning at The Valley last year, Williams said Acromantula railed like the ‘proverbial greyhound’ and is hoping the gelding can make full use of barrier one in the seven-horse field.
“He looks like he’s drawn ideally if he can make an effective start,” Williams said.
“The inside draw should be too his liking as he’s really quick, and quite dominant.”
Williams said he would be looking for some ‘help from above’ when he rides outsider Too Close The Sun in the Travis Harrison Cup (2040m).
The champion jockey regards riding in the race named after his best mate, and cousin, an honour and has won the race twice previously, most recently on Lackeen in 2022.
Harrison was killed in a car accident in 1996 following birthday celebrations which were held after a race meeting at Moonee Valley.
“It’s great to get a ride in the race and I hope the horse finds his best form from a long time ago,” Williams said.
“It doesn’t look ideal, and hopefully Travis can support us and get us over the line.
“Moonee Valley have been great. Travis wasn’t around for a long time, but they respect and honour the Harrison name and it’s great that they not only honour him, but the family that has delivered a lot to this industry over a long period of time.”
