https://www.racing.com/news/2024-06-30/news-review-little-jack-300624
The emergence of Little Jack as a promising stayer could not have been better timed for trainer Alex Rae, whose stable star Shock ‘Em Ova will be sidelined for at least 12 months.
Rae said that Shock ‘Em Ova ruptured a deep flexor tendon when he finished eighth in the Group 3 Lord Mayor’s Cup (1600m) at Eagle Farm on June 1.
“He broke down and he’ll be off for at least 12 months, which is very disappointing. He ruptured it quite severely and he’s had an operation which went well,” Rae said.
Before going to Queensland, Shock ‘Em Ova underlined his potential with an easy first-up win over 1400 metres at Caulfield on May 11 in a Benchmark 100.
Just as Rae has done with Shock ‘Em Ova, he will also take his time with Little Jack who was an impressive winner in the Benchmark 78 (2000m) at Caulfield despite being wayward in the closing stages as he ended up close to the outside fence.
Ridden by Jason Maskiell, it was Little Jack’s fourth win at his seventh start.
WATCH: Little Jack’s win at Caulfield
“He’s pretty typical of the Rebel Raiders as they take a bit of time and effort,” Rae said.
“It’s more about getting him to switch off and race properly, which he did today, and the way he hit the line was quite exciting even though he ran out.”
Rae said Little Jack had a lot of improvement to come and he would give him one more run this campaign before spelling him.
“He’s going to make a really nice stayer. There’s one more left in him and then we’ll give him a good holiday after that. He’ll only get better with age.”
WATCH: Alex Rae on Little Jack’s win
Recommended Video