Untapped Group 1 winner School Captain is set to step out at the Shepparton trials this Thursday, but his highly-anticipated campaign will bypass the world’s richest harness race later this year.
Trainer Nathan Jack told thetrots.com.au that the last-start Breeders Crown champion would not be part of the TAB Eureka despite strong interest from slot holders for the $2.1million contest at Menangle on September 2.
Jack said owners/breeders Bill and Anne Anderson had ruled out a start in the race, with features like the Victoria Derby, Vicbred Super Series and Breeders Crown higher on the agenda for the three-year-old pacer.
“There has been quite a lot of interest in him, but Bill and Anne were firm on no with him,” Jack said.
“He’s got those races here, so why would you want to go and take on the more seasoned ones? He’s only had five starts.”
Jack said School Captain was progressing well in his path back to the races, but would need at least a couple of trials before having his first start of 2023.
“I’m really happy with him – he’s going to need a few trials. We will trial this week, then probably miss the next and go again,” he said.
School Captain defeated confirmed TAB Eureka runner The Lost Storm in the Breeders Crown Final for two-year-old colts and geldings in November last year before being sent for a long spell.
He has not raced since, but holds a career record of two wins and three placings from five starts with prizemoney earnings up over $180,000.
The TAB Eureka is for three and four-year-old Australian-bred pacers, with Catch A Wave, Captain Ravishing and Leap To Fame among those at the top of the market.
School Captain’s multiple Group 1-winning stablemate Just Hope will also step out at the Shepparton trials on Thursday.
The daughter of Bettors Delight underwent surgery to repair a hairline fracture in a back fetlock, which has sidelined her since October last year.
Jack said the mare had been working up alongside School Captain.
“She seems good, but she’s going to need a few trials. She’s very big,” he said.
Just Hope is a three-time Group 1 winner, with the Gold Tiara, New South Wales Oaks and APG Vic Gold Bullion 3YO Fillies Final among her 10 career triumphs from 22 starts.
