Emerging colt Nashville Jack has announced himself as a serious spring contender after producing a dominant first-up win in the Keenland September Yearling Sale Handicap (1100m) at Randwick, with the Listed Rosebud (1100m) now looming as his next target.
The Brad Widdup-trained youngster had shown his potential during a brief two-start autumn campaign, finishing competitively in both the Silver Slipper Stakes and the Black Opal Stakes. After trialling impressively leading into his return, Widdup was relieved to see Nashville Jack deliver on race day.
“He’s shown us plenty at home and to see him put it together at Randwick against some smart horses was really satisfying,” Widdup said. “His run in the Silver Slipper was excellent, and his Black Opal effort was huge considering he raced with a shoe half hanging off his foot. I had him in at Warwick Farm midweek but decided to roll the dice today, and I’m glad we did.”
Ridden patiently by Jason Collett, Nashville Jack ($4.60) settled midfield before bursting through along the inside in the straight to record an emphatic two-length victory over Hello Romeo ($13), while longshot Wisnierska ($81) finished strongly for third. Race favourite Nazwah ($1.90) led to the 200m mark before weakening to finish sixth.
Widdup confirmed the Rosebud at Rosehill on August 16 as the logical next step. “It makes perfect sense to head that way,” he said. “We’ll see how he comes through this run, but there are a number of nice options as we progress. We’ll just try to pick the right path for him.”
Collett, having his first race ride on the colt, was impressed by the ease of the victory. “He’s a nice horse with real substance,” Collett said. “He trialled super leading in, and he handled the soft ground well. Once he balanced up, he put them away pretty easily.”
Bred by leading first-season sire Farnan, Nashville Jack was purchased for $225,000 at the Inglis Easter Sale and is raced by new Everest slot holders Mulberry. His commanding return has connections excited for what lies ahead.
