A blazing third quarter blew the night's most hyped showdown open and it was School Captain who separated himself from his brave challenger, The Lost Storm, and captured an emotion-filled Breeders Crown title.
A rapt Nathan Jack told Sky Racing's Brittany Graham "this one's a bit different" after claiming the IRT two-year-old pacing boys' crown for his dad and trainer Russell Jack and valued connections Anne and Bill Anderson, with the owner/breeders adding a further Crown to their trophy cabinet.
The battle was won after an outstanding bout with The Lost Storm, a rivalry that looks set to be a story of their careers, with both beautifully bred colts appearing to have huge futures at their hooves.
IRT Australia Breeders Crown for 2YO pacing colts and geldings champions:
Horse: School Captain
Trainer: Russell Jack
Driver: Nathan Jack
Owner/breeders: Lauriston Bloodstock (Anne and Bill Anderson)
Breeding: By Captaintreacherous out of Yankee Showgirl
THE RACE:
Nathan Jack had made it clear through the week that he would be leading with School Captain and not handing up to The Lost Storm, who started a warm favourite in the showdown between the star two-year-old pacing boys.
School Captain found the top easily from gate two in a lead time of 44.0sec and got away with a steady opening quarter of 30.8sec to really set up his chances for victory.
The Lost Storm couldn’t go with Jack’s colt when he quickened and the leader was able to shoot away into the straight for a 6.6m victory over Perfect Class, who got out from three back the pegs to run second.
THE WINNING WORDS:
Nathan Jack: "This one's a bit different, that's for sure. I had a lot of faith in this horse. Bill and Anne have been great and Dad's here, it just means a lot."