It’s been a challenging campaign for Acermetric, but trainer Dean Cocivera has high optimism that at Carnarvon on Saturday, the veteran gelding has his hoof on the till.
After early injury worries, Acermetric has hit his straps and Dean Cocivera believes the ten-year-old is up for the fight to land a knockout blow in the Tabtouch Carnarvon Cup (2000m).
At his most recent runs, Acermetric was the closest runner to Vevinsky in the Broome Cup (2200m), running second and last start ran an unlucky third in the Newman Cup (2100m).
Cocivera says Acermetric is racing as well now as at any other point in his campaign.
“We’ve got him back going ok, finally after going through a little bit during the year,” Cocivera said to Racing WA.
“We struggled with his feet early in the prep, but we seem to have him go okay now.
“I thought he should have won the Newman Cup.
“He got stuck until the 250m before he could get out.
“He went well and pulled up pretty well from the run.
“I’m definitely going in with confidence.”
The only qualification for Cocivera is the amount of travelling Acermetric has endured.
After campaigning in Esperance, he’s run in Roebourne, Marble Bar, Port Hedland, Broome and Newman.
“The only thing we have to put up with is the amount of kilometers we’ve done,” Cocivera said.
“Most of the other horses just have to walk 50m across from the Carnarvon track.
“We’re based in Port Hedland and leave tonight (Thursday) to get to Carnarvon.
“That’s the only concern I’ve got, but he has travelled, going to Esperance when he was based in Kalgoorlie, so, he’s pretty used to it.”
Aside from the $32,880 Carnarvon prizemoney, Cocivera is looking to recoup some country cup pride.
After winning the Moora Cup (1800m) under Justine Erkelens’ care a year ago, Acermetric finished third in the Esperance Cup (2000m) for David Smith before Broome Cup and Newman Cup placings for Cocivera.
“Hopefully, because we’ve had a bit of a bridesmaid year,” Cocivera said.
“We also had Zadar Rock going around who ran second in the Port Hedland Cup (2200m).
“It would be good to finally get one if we could.”
Cocivera believes Acermetric’s first run at Carnarvon will be an asset.
“I think the big open space and wider track will be good for him,” Cocivera said.
“Any kick back doesn’t seem to worry him, that’s what is good about him.
“He’ll sit away somewhere and start working into it from the 800m or 900m.”
At start 64 and with six wins and 15 placings behind him, Acermetric has drawn barrier five and will have the services of Lisa Staples.
Cocivera believes Set The Scene, Gambler’s Gold and Ombudsman pose the biggest danger to Acermetric.
