Explosive Jack and John Allen are a formidable combination as they chase a fourth Derby win at Eagle Farm.
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.
Allen left before Queensland shut their border to Victorians so as he could ride the TAB’s $2.90 favourite in the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, Explosive Jack has been successful in the Tasmanian Derby, the Australian Derby and South Australian Derby 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.”
Allen said he would monitor the situation back in Melbourne, but with not a lot of commitments in Brisbane in coming weeks is favouring a return to Melbourne on Sunday.
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 mantlepiece.”
Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au