Nashville Jack confirmed his status as an exciting prospect for the spring with a commanding first-up victory in the Keenland September Yearling Sale Handicap (1100m) at Randwick, with the Listed Rosebud (1100m) emerging as the likely next assignment.
The Brad Widdup-trained colt had shown promise as a two-year-old, running in the Silver Slipper Stakes and Black Opal Stakes, with the latter performance notable given he finished fifth despite racing with a slipped shoe. After pleasing in his lead-up trials, Widdup was delighted with his return to the track.
“It’s always a relief to see them take their trial form to race day,” Widdup said. “He’d done everything right at home, and today he got the job done in good style. He’s a horse we’ve always had a nice opinion of.”
Ridden by Jason Collett, Nashville Jack ($4.60) was settled midfield before accelerating strongly along the inside to post a two-length win over Hello Romeo ($13), with roughie Wisnierska ($81) flashing late to grab third. Favourite Nazwah ($1.90) led until the 200m before weakening to finish sixth.
Widdup confirmed the Rosebud would be strongly considered. “It looks the obvious stepping stone. We’ll see how he comes through the run, but there are plenty of good races for him if he keeps improving,” he said.
Collett, having his first sit on the colt, was impressed by the feel he gave. “He’s got good substance and did everything right. He handled the ground fine and quickened up really well. There’s plenty more to come,” he said.
A son of first-season sire Farnan, Nashville Jack was a $225,000 Inglis Easter Sale purchase and is raced by new Everest slot holders Mulberry, who will be buoyed by his strong return to racing.