Trainer Brad Widdup holds Nashville Jack in high regard but says the colt must prove himself on race day if he is to earn a shot at feature carnival races later this year.

The rising three-year-old resumes in Saturday’s Keenland September Yearling Sale Handicap (1100m) at Randwick, and a strong performance could see him step back into stakes company.

“You always hope they’ll come back as well as you think, but you never truly know until they step out on race day,” Widdup said. “Fingers crossed he can be a nice horse for us.”

Nashville Jack showed promise as a juvenile, finishing fourth to Beiwacht in the Silver Slipper (1100m) and fifth behind King Of Pop in the Black Opal Stakes (1200m).

Widdup revealed his Black Opal effort was even better than it appeared after a mishap mid-race. “He had a shoe slip back and came in with it half in, half out of his foot. He did a great job to finish as close as he did,” he said.

A son of 2020 Golden Slipper winner Farnan, Nashville Jack has won both lead-up trials and continues to develop into a strong and professional type.

Drawn in barrier two with Jason Collett to ride, Widdup expects further improvement to come but believes his colt can be competitive first-up. “He’s a big, strong horse and very straightforward. He’s still learning but he’s pretty bombproof. There’s plenty of upside,” Widdup said.

Saturday’s race will be a good measuring stick with tough rivals including Pierro Plate winner Shaggy and the progressive filly Nazwah from the Peter Snowden yard. For punters keen to follow Nashville Jack’s return, odds can be found through leading betting sites.