Showman Jack Flying Into His New Campaign

COUNTRY Classic champ, Showman Jack, makes a long-awaited return to racing in a 4/5th Grade Stake (520m) at Wentworth Park on Saturday and owner-trainer John Smart says “the dog is flying”.

Showman Jack (Fernando Bale-Lovelace) has not started since May when suffering a hairline fracture when second to Silver Luck at The Gardens over 600m.

“Gee, it's a hard race first-up,” Smart said.

“He is meeting some pretty good dogs with very good records like Zambora Tiger, Zipping Conway and Coco Model.”

But, Smart explained Showman Jack has slipped post-to-post at Wentworth Park recently, on a heavy track, running a scintillating 23.91.

“He's flying,” he said.

“He will be a little underdone on match fitness, but if he gets around the first corner ok nothing will beat him.”

Showman Jack has started 40 times for 14 wins and 13 placings earning $209,000.

Showman Jack hit the lead, stayed out of trouble and raced away at #WentyPark last night in a #BON 29.63s to record his 8th win at headquarters!

Full Results: https://t.co/bkPGdtUKfW#thedogs @NSWGBOTA #GreyhoundRacing pic.twitter.com/Cw2ZLRuYw6

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) November 16, 2022

He is one of only three dogs in Smart's Camden kennel, one of the others is litter sister Esme Watson, drawn immediately to the outside of Showman Jack in the three box on Saturday.

“She likes to head to the fence early so the way they are boxed isn't ideal,” he said.

Plans for Showman Jack after Wentworth Park have not been finalised.

“He could go to Goulburn for that nice race (Southern Stars) next week but he could also stay at Wenty with the Nationals coming up,” said John.

“Eventually I believe he will stay, but there is no rush to get him up to distance again.”

Showman Jack has also been a finalist in the Young Stars at Wenty last year.

He downed Ailee Bale and Jackpot Joan to win the Country Classic (605m) at Dubbo in March.

His dam, Lovelace, was a high-class stayer who was third in the Group 1 Albion Park Gold Cup and a multiple Group finalist while Smart also trained former top stayer Kanzan.