Excuse Me Jack’s stocks continue to surge

By Brennan Ryan

The future of youngster Excuse Me Jack looks very promising after he maintained his unbeaten record of six wins when taking out Tuesday night’s Townsville Young Guns Final over 380 metres.

The Harold Hovi-trained son of My Redeemer and Fancy Dancer was drawn box three in the $3,500 to-the-winner Final, starting a $1.40 favourite ahead of Bogie Bandit at $7.50.

Lining up for his sixth start, expectations were high with Excuse Me Jack, who never looked like disappointing, finding the front immediately before using his freakish turn of speed.

He stopped the clock in a sizzling 21.44 seconds defeating Wynburn Cruz by almost three lengths.

The race record for the restricted series was previously held by Rumble Master and Moving Target at 21.62.

It was also back-to-back Young Guns title success for Hovi, who trained Excitable Jack to victory.

“Desma (wife) and I couldn’t be happier with result – the dog is certainly fast,” Harold Hovi said.

“If there is anything going off Excuse Me Jack’s recent runs, I don’t think I could do much more to improve his manners and both he and his brother Redemption Bay are maturing more each run.”

Redemption Bay brought up his third career victory from box five clocking 21.48 seconds for the 380 metres.

So far this year, Harold has prepared 15 winners on the showgrounds track with $22,265 in stakes.

Hovi says his contact with prominent New South Wales breeder Dennis Barnes has been successful.

The Gumlu-based trainer has signalled that Excuse Me Jack will now be set towards the Townsville Cup.

Now programmed for September, the Group 3 series will carry a massive winner’s cheque of $40,000.

“I will turn-out Excuse Me Jack and Redemption Bay for spell and head towards the Cup,” Hovi said.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Excuse Me Jack will handle the extra distance without hesitation.

“Both dogs are the complete package and carry the perfect temperament and they’re not for sale.