Explosive Jack Continues Derby Blitz in South Australia

Explosive Jack was exactly that in the May 8 TAB South Australian Derby (G1) at Morphettville.

From as far back as the home turn, the colt never looked in doubt of becoming the first horse in Australian racing history to win three derbys in the space of just three months.

The big bay son of Jakkalberry 's derby assault began on Feb. 5 when he won the Schweppes Tasmanian Derby, it then continued in Sydney where he landed the Bentley Australian Derby (G1), and now he has added the South Australian Derby to his impressive résumé.

Until Saturday, no horse had ever won the Australian Derby/South Australian Derby double. Of the history-making performance his co-trainer Ciaron Maher, who was on course to witness it, said:

"I couldn't be happier, it's a great result," said a delighted Maher. "He's a tough horse and I know that terms gets used loosely but he's got a great temperament and the team has done a great job with him.

"He's been to all of our locations and you never know he could end up in Queensland."

Maher did not rule out the possibility of traveling Explosive Jack north for the May 29 Queensland Derby (G1).

"He could, he certainly didn't look like he was slowing down today," he said.

Maher said he was impressed with the effort of Let's Karaka Deel, who is owned by the same connections as Explosive

Jack, to chase him home in the race and finish second.

"I didn't think there was a lot between them but I thought 'Jack' was a bit stronger," he said.

Not only was it a continuation of derby success for Explosive Jack, but it was also too for his regular rider John Allen, who has now won a remarkable four editions of the South Australian Derby.

Allen's winning run in the race began in 2016 on Howard Be Thy Name, which brought up the first group 1 success of his flat riding career. He then won it the following year aboard Volatile Mix and was successful last year on Russian Camelot.

"I've had great luck in the race and been lucky enough to get on the right horses. I love riding the track, it gives every horse a fair crack in the race," said Allen.

Of the performance of Explosive Jack he said: "We were three wide with cover and they went slow and I was able to flow into it. He was always comfortable and traveling well and when we turned the corner I wasn't worried about him running the trip and I thought you are not going to catch me now.

"I knew it was going to take a good horse to go past him."

Like Maher, Allen mentioned the Queensland Derby as being a possibility.

"It's amazing to go to Tassie, peak in Sydney, and then come here four weeks later and now it's on to Brisbane maybe," he said.

Explosive Jack has now won five of his eight starts and amassed more than AU$1.7 million in prize money. He was purchased by Moody

Racing out of the Novara Park draft at the 2019 Karaka National Yearling Sale for US$68,400.