Nathan Jack to take the reins on Neptunite in Vicbred Super series assault

Star three year old Neptunite (Tall Dark Stranger) is ready to tackle the VicBred Super series later this month with ace driver Nathan Jack steering.

Jack had his first drive on Neptunite yesterday at Wagga when at his only eighth start and against older horses easily won rating 1.53.8 on the traditionally fast circuit in the Welcome To the World Callum Edward McRae Pace. However it was his last quarter in 26 seconds that really distinguished him as being quite out of the ordinary.

Neptunite’s trainer and usual driver Bruce Harpley explained the engagement of Jack.

I decided to put him on while we campaign in Victoria. The bottom line is that I am out of the loop with understanding the local drivers tendencies and I need someone switched on to all that.

He pulled up well as he had an easy first half, and a much easier run than his first few starts. He was originally nominated for 2300 metres race run but we had to settle for the 1740 metres as I needed to start him about three weeks before the Vicbred event at Kilmore.

Nathan is pleased with him. I can see that Neptunite has brains strength and scintillating speed.  This is the first time in his career that he’s coming up matured and a lot stronger. So he has all the main ingredients of being a good horse.

The first round of heats will be run at Kilmore on 27 August, with the Semi Finals at Melton on 5 September and the $150,000 Final at Melton on 12 September.

NEPTUNITE REPLAY 7 AUGUST

Neptunite is raced by Chris and Peter Woods on behalf of the Woods family trust. Based at Leeton the Woods own Millbrae Quarries which generously donates all the crushed dust required for the Riverina clubs. They have also enjoy success with thoroughbred racing. Harpley has known the family for a number of years and in the past drove their smart pacer Jade’s Castle.

Unfortunately Chris has an overseas holiday booked and will miss whole Vicbred series.

Neptunite is the last of the progeny of the Jennas Beach Boy mare Perfect Jenna who won 16 races and was third in the New South Wales Breeders Challenge Final as a two year old.

Neptunite’s older half brother Andersite (Well Said) has shown ability in recent trials and Harpley commented,

He’s probably as good as Neptunite as he’s certainly a better pacer than him.

It’s worth mentioning that the race is named arrived newborn Callum Edward McRae whose proud parents prominent driver Peter and wife Tegan were present at Wagga. Harnesslinks extends warm congratulations to Peter, Tegan and Callum.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink