Two-year-old set to rewrite record books

Astute Shepparton horseman Russell Jack is playing a cautious hand with his exciting pacer Erupt Stride (Bettor’s Delight) who looks set to write himself into harness racing record books on Sunday (Oct. 9) at Ouyen.

Erupt Stride, a winner of five of his eight starts, is attempting to be the first two-year-old to claim the $25,000 Northern Region Championship final against older and more seasoned performers in the 55 – 61 NR class.

“Yes, he’s only a two-year-old, but in actual fact in the old age groupings that we use to go by until two years ago, he would have turned three at the start of last month,” Jack said.

“I’ve competed in the championship series a few times over the years and I’m pretty certain I haven’t won it, so it would be nice if we could do it.

“Erupt Stride’s a really good horse with high speed. He’s very quick but probably my little concern is that barrier five could be a bit tricky. We could have drawn one to five and there are some nice ones on our inside so it will be up to Nathan to work it out.”

Nathan Jack, Russell’s son, has driven Erupt Stride in every one of his victories, including two superb drives in the qualifying heats.

The Northern Region Championship, sponsored by O’Connors Case IH, is staged by the three sister clubs in Victoria’s northwest – Mildura, Swan Hill and Ouyen – and is run over two rounds of heats for qualification for the final.

Jack also got Will He Pike (owned by Russell’s wife Debbie) through to the final after rain washed out the running of the second heat at the Mildura round earlier in the week.  The final championship field was then compiled on field selection points.

Jack said Erupt Stride’s owners Emilio and Mary Rosati, who race many of their horses under the Stride moniker, had purchased the youngster from New Zealand.

“He was an expensive yearling but he’s quality that’s for sure and won the Gold Crown Consolation in Bathurst at his second start. Darren Binskin had the horse then, but Nathan went up and drove him,” he said.

“The horse was tossed out for a spell and later came to us. After this run, he will probably have a little break and we’ll go from there.

“We have a good relationship with Emilio and one of the things I enjoy with him is that it’s all about the horses—-whatever is the best for them is his top priority. I really respect that.

“We’ve had a few with him over the years. I think there’s five or six of his here at the moment.”

Jack, who trains from a property at Lemnos, followed his father, the late Robbie, into the sport and is enjoying career-best results this season, with 63 winners from 195 starters and surpassing $750,000 in stakes for the first time.

“Horses are all that I’ve done—-it’s the only job I’ve ever had,” he said.

“We normally train between 30 and 35 and I’ve got a good team of workers headed by Nathan and Leigh Sutton, who do a great job. They’re only young and they’re hard workers…and most times get here on time!

“But I like doing what I do. It can be hard work, but it’s been good to me.

“And I reckon a big plus is that my workplace is just out the back door!”

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink