With black type already next to Acquisto’s name, trainer and part-owner Tony Bambry has his sights set on two financially lucrative opportunities for the filly.
The daughter of TheWayYouAre was a strong third in the Listed Wanganui Guineas last time out and will return to the River City course on Thursday for the NZB Insurance Pearl Series 1600, an event that carries a $7500 winning purse and an $11,500 bonus.
“That race is worth $25,000 and the bonus is another $20,000 so it makes sense at the moment, rather than chasing the Group races for the fillies.”
Acquisto was unplaced on debut before she finished fourth in the Hawke’s Bay Guineas Prelude and her Wanganui Guineas placing was no surprise to Bambry.“Not at all – she’d had quite a bit of experience with seven jump-outs and trials to get a barrier certificate,” he said.
“In her first jump-out at Levin there were two colts roaring in the gates and she got a fright and wouldn’t walk up.“She’s quite a head-strong filly and you can’t bully her, but she’s fine now. She’s always showed plenty of ability and good speed.”
Bambry is also unconcerned about Acquisto’s wide barrier at Wanganui, where she will be ridden by Lynsey Satherley.“I’m not worried about the draw – she begins well and she’ll be out of trouble,” he said.