Extreme Sea
TOP driver Nathan Jack is leading the growing chorus of fans for untapped NSW pacer Extreme Sea.
As the four-year-old prepares for what should be his third feature race win at just his 10th start, Jack thinks it could be another step towards greatness.
Extreme Sea won the $100,000 TAB NSW Regional Metropolitan final at Menangle last Saturday night and looks to have the overall $100,000 TAB Regional final at his mercy at the same track this Saturday.
“I think he’s a beast and clearly the horse to beat in the TAB Eureka already,” Jack said.
“In 12 months from now, everyone will be raving on about him.”
Jack said his first insight into Extreme Sea’s talent came at his first race start.
“I drove against him that day, and Brad (Hewitt, driver) told me before the race that they thought he was really good. He quickly reminded me after the race, too,” he said.
But it was Extreme Sea’s win in the Riverina Championship final at Wagga on March 31 which really won Jack around.
“I know his past two wins have been fantastic, but I still think Wagga is his best win. You can’t do what he did that day,” he said.
“I’m not surprised he got snapped up for a slot (in the TAB Eureka) straight after it.”
“Look at the times he’s running. I know there are nice horses in the TAB Eureka mix this year, but I think he’s the one they all have to beat.
“He’s got unbelievable speed, but he’s not weak, either.”
Leviathan owner Wayne Loader made an early move to lock the David Hewitt-trained Extreme Sea into his TAB Eureka slot.
Brad Hewitt described the four-year-old as “one out of the box” and potentially a serious Grand Circuit player in years to come.
“He’s not beating much at the moment, but you can tell by watching, and I can certainly feel it driving him; he’s a bit special,” he said.
Providing Extreme Sea pleases the Hewitts on Saturday night; he looks set for his first interstate trip to chase the $350,000 Group 1 Rising Sun at Albion Park on July 10.
It’s a race Brad Hewitt is also aiming at with his star four-year-old and fellow confirmed TAB Eureka runner, Captains Knock, who has the Cordina Racing slot.
Captains Knock had a “soft” Goulburn trial last Saturday and will have another trial before “one or two” lead-up runs in NSW ahead of a Queensland raid.
“I’ll take 6-8 up to Queensland,” Brad said. “Millwood Bliss for the Oaks and Bittersweet for the Protostar are some others.”