Don’t Forget Jack can cap a meteoric rise up the juvenile ranks for Scone trainer Stephen Jones in the BRC Oxlade Stakes (LR, 1300m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday week, June 15.
The 2yo son of Vinery sire Headwater won the Star Kingdom Stakes (1000m) on debut at Muswellbrook on May 3 and then put four last-start winners to the sword at Doomben on Wednesday. Jones sent Don’t Forget Jack interstate knowing the youngster is an untapped talent and he upped that initial assessment following a three-length demolition in the Ladbrokes Blackbook Hcp (1200m).
“He’s probably the best horse I have ever trained,” Jones declared. “We did nominate for the Group 1 (J J Atkins Stakes) here but it comes up too quickly. He will start in the Oxlade and then we will put him away. He’s something very special.”
Don’t Forget Jack (2g Headwater – Innishbeg by Lonhro) was super impressive at Doomben. After settling back in the field, he scouted wide on the corner and then unleashed a brilliant turn of foot to space Appellant (Snitzel) and Mishani Suspect (Sun City).
“He has an engine although he isn’t quite sure how to use it properly,” winning Rory Hutchings said. “He hit the front a long way from home and he was stargazing all the way up the straight. He will develop into a nice horse once he works it all out.”
Don’t Forget Jack was bred by Peter Robertson and is a half-brother to VRC Maribyrnong Plate (Gr.3, 1000m) winner Aspect (Pluck) and SAJC Tokyo City Cup (LR, 1800m) winner Brown Ben (Big Brown).
Their dam Innishbeg is a half-sister to Gosford Belle of the Turf (Gr.3, 1600m) winner Sexy Eyes (Written Tycoon) and BRC Nudgee Hcp (LR, 1200m) winner Tina Melina (Jet Spur). She was subsequently purchased by Vinery’s Bloodstock Manager Adam White and foaled an Exceedance colt last August before being bred back to Ole Kirk.
Robinson entered Don’t Forget Jack through the Attunga Stud consignment to the 2023 Gold Coast Magic Millions but took him back home when bidding fell short of a hefty $250,000 reserve. He kept a share in a stable syndicate managed by Jones and his partner Tracy Rodger.
Headwater (Exceed And Excel) is equal third with Too Darn Hot (GB) on the Australian 2yo winners table with 9 individual winners behind Written Tycoon (12) and Snitzel (11).
Vinery stands Headwater for a $9,900 (inc GST) service fee with payment on a live foal. For bookings or further information, contact Adam, Harry, McKoy or Peter on (02) 6543 8333.
