The Brad Widdup-trained Acqume brushed aside four other last start winners in the TAB Rewards Handicap (1200m) at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
A stronger than usual midweek event was met with some surprise by Widdup, after he had elected to forego a stakes race with the daughter of Sepoy, but his decision proved the right one as Acqume shot to a comprehensive 2-1/2 length victory.
"We waited for this race and it did come up very strong but we knew what we had," Widdup said.
A maiden winner at Gosford three weeks ago, Acqume retained the services of jockey Josh Parr who navigated a winning path on the inside section of the home straight while longshots Legal Girl ($91) and Bella Success ($31) ran on late into second and third respectively. The margin between that pair was 1-1/4 lengths.
Widdup is hoping Acqume can provide him with his first stakes winner less than four months since the former Godolphin assistant set up shop at Hawkesbury as an independent trainer.
"I've always had in the back of my mind that she's not too far away from stakes company," Widdup said.
"Her work is definitely up to that sort of grade but you don't want to throw them in the deep end too early."
Acqume returned to the mounting yard blowing noticeably hard but Widdup said it was of no concern and a trait typical of the breed.
"She blows when she canters – I think it's a lot of nerves. She's a Sepoy and they are a bit like that," he said.
"I've probably been a bit soft on her just trying to get into the back end of these nice fillies' races but her fitness is getting there now."
