Jack Bruce eager to see Vindicta return for late summer carnival

Rising Queensland trainer Jack Bruce has had to navigate his way through a tough period with one of his star runners but says he’s on track for a late summer carnival push.

Racing trainer, Jack Bruce. Picture: Patrick Woods

Jack Bruce says not by design but by the way things have panned out he’s had to hold his tongue in recent months as one of his stable stars recovers from a series of knee surgeries.

Three-year-old gelding Vindicta, who last raced in March at Eagle Farm, has recorded just shy of $100,000 in prize money from his five career starts.

A victory on debut at the Sunshine Coast has been followed by three placings, with his only finish outside of the top three in the QTIS Jewel Prelude where he was caught horribly wide in transit.

“He’s had a few knee surgeries which has set him back majorly but he’ll surface later on in the summer and I’ll look to keep him ticking over for the winter,” Bruce said.

“He’s had to be patiently handed but he’s a really nice up and comer who’s sparingly raced early on in his career.

“Once he’s back to full fitness he’ll be a lot more mature and we’ll really see the best of him as he’s a talented sprinter with plenty of upside.”

Vindicta on debut at the Sunshine Coast. Picture: Facebook.

After the abandoned Doomben meeting last Saturday, Bruce said he was eager to see what Shedrivesabentley and Oohlalouvre could produce later this week.

“Oohlalouvre is nominated for the Mode Stakes on Saturday but I’m leaning towards a 1000m maiden at the Sunshine Coast on Friday night,” Bruce said.

“She ran a very good second to Break Free who looks a very nice horse and will be competitive in the stakes race.

“I do think you’ll see her step out in better races across the summer, she’s unfortunately not Magic Millions eligible but she should be able to pick off some good races underneath.

“Shedrivesabentley is a prep away but she’s a nice horse and I wouldn’t be surprised to see her feature in some strong races going forward.

“She’s still behind the Eight ball mentally and physically but she ripped home really well at the Sunshine Coast recently and should be well suited at 1200m or 1400m in due course.”