Potential to be the best two-year-old I’ve driven

HE’S held the reins behind more than his share of top youngsters, so when Nathan Jack gives a wrap it’s a fair indicator of what’s to come.

After driving Petracca to a phenomenal victory at Tabcorp Park Melton last night, Jack made a big, albeit cautious, statement about the pacer.

Just to recap, Petracca worked to the lead from barrier five before strolling to a 40-metre win in the Shakamaker Classic.

In what was just his third start, the freshman rated 1:54.1 over 1720 metres – less than a second outside the track record held by his stablemate, Act Now.

Captain Foxtrot was second, with Mister Hunter 14-and-a-half metres away third.

So impressed with Petracca’s performance, Jack declared the Emma Stewart-trained son of Captaintreacherous as potentially the best two-year-old he has driven.

“He’s got the potential to be the best two-year-old I’ve driven,” Jack said. “I’m not declaring he is just yet, but he gives the feeling he can head that way.

“He is just a gem to drive, has got great manners and is just a natural.”

Petracca’s success was the opening leg of a double for Jack, who scored with Boots Electric later on the card.

Also working his way to the lead midrace, Boots Electric completed a five-metre win from Major Roll, with Bulletproof Boy a half-head away third.

Trained by Jack’s father, Russell, the gelding rated 1:51.5 over 1720 metres.