Scone trainer Stephen Jones is reaching for the sky at the Brisbane winter carnival with his last-start Headwater winner Don’t Forget Jack.

On Friday at Muswellbrook, Don’t Forget Jack caught punters off-guard when he powered home in the Star Kingdom Hcp (1000m) to win running away from Torn (Toronado) and Wobbly Boot (Pierata).  He started at $11 despite a comfortable barrier trial victory on home turf last month and his debut was just as straightforward come raceday.

“He was brilliant first up and pulled up perfect!” Jones declared earlier this week.  “It was a great ride by Rory (Hutchings) and he came back in and said it was a terrific performance.”

Don’t Forget Jack sent Headwater to the top of the Australian 2yo winners’ table with 9 individual winners to lead Too Darn Hot (8) and Snitzel (8).  He had shared the Australian first-season title in that category on 13 individual winners with Spill The Beans in 2019-20.

His current juvenile division is headed by SAJC Without Fear Stakes (LR, 1050m) winner Pure Aqua and Jones will set Don’t Forget Jack for the $1million BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (Gr.2, 1400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday, June 1.  Jones and his partner Tracy Rodger, who manages the syndicate, are keen to have a second crack at that sort of prizemoney after a dress rehearsal in the $1million Magic Millions National 2yo Classic (1000m) at the Gold Coast on Friday, May 24.

“His breeder Peter Armstrong stayed in the horse with several members of his family and he’s a mate going back to the days when I trained at Rosehill and Canterbury,” Jones recalled.  “They’re also in Don’t Forget Jack’s full-brother Remember Jack and he can win the TAB Highway (1200m) at Gosford this Saturday as long as it’s a dry track.”

The stablemates are younger half-brothers of VRC Maribyrnong Plate (Gr.3, 1000m) winner Aspect (Pluck) and SAJC Tokyo City Cup (LR, 1800m) winner Brown Ben (Big Brown).  Their dam Innishbeg (Lonhro) won five races in and around Newcastle and she’s 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).

Innishbeg foaled an Exceedance colt last August and was bred back to Ole Kirk.  Vinery stands Headwater (Exceed And Excel) 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.