Swain Says Tread Carefully With “Headcase” Jack

GOLDEN Easter Egg winning trainer Sid Swain doesn't have an enormous amount of faith in his last start Richmond winner Kangaroo Jack.

At Wentworth Park on Wednesday night the son of Blue Moon Rising returns to city racing for the first time since May when he lines up in race six from box seven.

FIELDS AND FORM WENTWORTH PARK WEDNESDAY NIGHT

A comfortable winner last time out at Richmond in a reasonable 29.99, Swain says Kangaroo Jack is capable of success, but whether he does is an entirely different proposition.

"He's not the most genuine dog in the world," Swain said.

"The ability is there but he's not chasing properly. He switches on and off in races so you don't know what you are going to get from him.

"I couldn't tip him for my life, but it wouldn't surprise me if he won either, he's just that kind of dog."

With three wins and four placings from 12 career starts, Kangaroo Jack won his maiden at Wentworth Park in 30.30 at start three.

"After his Richmond win last week he wouldn't have blown a candle out – you wouldn't have known he'd been around," Swain said.

"If you work him at home he has to go with another dog or he won't go. Or he'll go halfway up and just stand there waiting for you. I'm earning whatever I get with this dog. He's too smart for his own good.

“But in time if he clicks then and works it all out he could end up pretty handy. I'll keep working him out.”

The quirks of the interestingly named Kangaroo Jack became apparent to Swain after having the June 2021 whelp at home for just 24 hours.

"The day after I got him he was out in the yard and he jumped my colorbond fence," Swain said.  

"He must have smelt kangaroos or something. I had to jump in the car to go and catch him down the road. That's where the name came from. As I said, he's got a mind of his own."

Meanwhile, Swain is looking forward to work getting underway soon on the revamped Lithgow track with plans for TAB racing to launch later in the year.

"Work on the grandstand and kennel block will begin first and the track last," Swain said.

"That will give trainers time to continue trialling for as long as possible until the downtime starts for the track to be rebuilt. It's great that it's getting closer. We really need it out here."