Explosive Jack enters record books with SA Derby win
Explosive Jack made headlines on Saturday when he added the Group 1 South Australian Derby to a trophy cabinet that already includes the Tasmanian Derby and the ATC Australian Derby.
John Allen claimed his fourth SA Derby over the past six years when pairing up with the $4 pre-race favourite, who saluted despite sitting three wide the trip.
The winner represented half of a Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained quinella, with Let’s Karaka Deel trailing in his stablemate by 2.5 lengths.
“I was probably a bit nervous early, but he was in a really good rhythm,” Maher said.
“It was a super job by the team. We will see about the Queensland Derby and will let the dust settle.”
Following his win at Morphettville, Explosive Jack is an equal-favourite for the Group 1 Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm on May 29.
Part-owner Mick Johnston, who has also been involved with the likes of Dissident, Humidor and Tosten Stardom, was quick to let his mind wander about the possibilities in store for Explosive Jack over the next 12 to 18 months.
“Hopefully he stays sound and we can push on with him to Flemington on the first Tuesday in November,” Johnston said when asked about a chance of running in the Melbourne Cup.
Explosive Jack was purchased for $100,000 at the 2019 NZB Karaka Yearling Sale and has already earned his connections over $2,000,000 in prize money thus far.
Maher was quick to declare that Let’s Karaka Deel would be a certain starter in the Queensland Derby, with his Dundeel colt returning in fine order with three consecutive runner-up performances this campaign.
Let’s Karaka Deel has five second-place finishes in his career, with just one win from eight career starts.
He takes strong form to Eagle Farm, including a fifth-place finish in the VRC Derby in the spring, so it is no surprise to see him as an $8 chance on the second line of betting for the Queensland Derby.