3 minute read
Jockey teams up once again with Explosive Jack as pair shoot for another Group 1.
Jockey John Allen was not going to let the latest COVID outbreak in Melbourne disrupt his hopes of winning a fourth Derby on Explosive Jack (Jakkalberry) in Saturday's Queensland Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) at Eagle Farm.
Trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, Explosive Jack has been successful in the Tasmanian Derby (Listed, 2200m), the Australian Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) and South Australian Derby (Gr 1, 2500m) and will be aiming to join Dayana, from the 1970's, as a four-time Derby winner.
Allen is returning from suspension on Saturday having not ridden since May 9, and was quick to pack up and leave Victoria on Wednesday when it looked likely the border will close.
"Initially I didn't plan on coming up until Saturday and then I decided to come Wednesday after racing at Sandown," Allen told RSN.
"But then I was chatting to Ciaron and a few of the owners and I ended with only one ride at Sandown.
"It was in similar ownership to Explosive Jack and I think they were keen for me to get up here before they closed the border."
The prospects of a dry track at Eagle Farm is a slight concern for Allen with Explosive Jack's three previous Derby victories coming on soft ground.
"No doubt his best form has been on soft tracks but he's won on good tracks twice as well, so I don't see it as a real issue and we'll find out more after Saturday," Allen said.
"He's a really laid-back character. Ciaron and David have done a great job with him. He's a real good stayer and he's got plenty of ability to back that up.
"Hopefully everything goes well on Saturday and we can add a fourth Derby to the mantlepiece."
One horse out to make his Group 1 breakthrough is the Peter Hulbert-trained Criminal Defence (Nicconi) who is attempting to become the eighth horse to complete the Rough Habit Plate (Gr 3, 2000m) - Queensland Derby double when he runs in the 2400 metre feature on Saturday.
Hulbert and his son Will prepare Criminal Defence, who caused an upset in Rough Habit Plate a fortnight ago after starting a $67 chance.
The least surprised person on course was Will Hulbert, telling reporters "I've told anyone who would listen for six months he's a Derby horse," although Peter admitted he didn't share his son's confidence.
"I've always been a reserved sort of person. Will's a bit more out there than me and oozes confidence in everything," Hulbert senior said.
"I said if we finish in the first five I'm going to be thrilled. When he shot clear when they straightened, I couldn't believe it to be honest, it was just sensational.
"I've been training just over 40-odd years now and that would have to be our biggest thrill, particularly the fact Will and I train together. That makes it all the more special."
Peter Hulbert said Michael Rodd's ride, where he let the son of Nicconi (Bianconi) roll forward from a wide gate, made the difference.
"He'd had the blinkers on and had never been a horse that began well enough to take up a forward position," Hulbert said.
"Michael Rodd suggested to Will we take the blinkers off and I know it would have been a slower tempo stepping up to the 2000 metres, but in saying that, that's the best he's ever begun.
"I would say now we know that formula worked, we will go with it again."
Hulbert watched the Rough Habit from home and let Will do the on course duties and he has no intention of changing that for the Derby.
He was heartened by reports from Will and regular track rider Adin Thompson after Criminal Defence worked at Eagle Farm on Tuesday morning.
"They both came back with glowing reports. Adin in particular was very impressed and he's ridden him from day one," he said.
"To me physically, the horse has improved since the Rough Habit, even though he's well into his campaign."
With Michael Rodd out for the carnival, Jye Mcneil has been called up for the ride.
