On Saturday, Collett is backing the Brad Widdup-trained Nashville Jack to step up in the Rosebud (1100m) from his impressive maiden win on soft going at Randwick three weeks ago. Collett took the Farnan colt to a two-length win over the same trip with a rails run.
“It’s a step up off the first-up win,” Collett said of the six-horse Rosebud field where Nashville Jack is a $4.80 Sportsbet chance.
“Obviously some nice horses there: Gerald Ryan’s [Skyhook and Blitzburg] and Michael Freedman’s [Pallaton], which are proven in good races.
“My bloke was great first up and did everything right. He’s got the run under the belt, and he performed on an off track that day and I thought he loved it, so confident that track on Saturday, if it’s still into that range, he’ll be fine on that.
“He’s a solid type, and he will definitely improve off that run.”
Widdup was keen to see Nashville Jack return to stakes grade after a fourth in the Silver Slipper and fifth in the Black Opal last preparation, although he was unsure how the Mulberry Racing-owned colt would cope if Rosehill stayed in the heavy range.
“He’s a Saturday winner, so it points that way that he’s got to have a crack at these races,” Widdup said.
“I don’t think he’s a swimmer – he took a while to get through it – but he found a good race first up and we’ll see how he goes.
“I think he’s a nice enough horse. He’s still got improvement and he’s in good order.”
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The Baker-trained Bonita Queen ($9, race nine) and War Eternal ($3.70, seven) are among Collett’s other hopes at Rosehill.
“She was in last Saturday, but she was scratched before the races were scratched,” he said of Bonita Queen.
“So we would like an improving track on the opposite end compared to what Nashville would like. She’s a quick horse, so we’ll make use of that.
“War Eternal’s got form on that going, and he was good last start and is third up working towards it.”
Collett also has genuine chances with Starman ($8.50) and Sister Daae ($9.50) for Chris Waller, and She’s Unusual ($8) for John O’Shea and Tom Charlton.
