Two-Pronged Derby Assault For Maher And Eustace

[Wandering Eyes]

The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace stable will have Explosive Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry) and Let’s Karaka Deel (NZ) (Dundeel) running for them in the Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville.

David Eustace cannot see any reason why Explosive Jack should not be able to add a Gr.1 South Australian Derby victory to the one he achieved in Sydney. 

Explosive Jack won the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick on April 10 and will on Saturday attempt to add the South Australian Derby at Morphettville to make it five wins in eight starts. 

Eustace, who trains in partnership with Ciaron Maher, said with the Australian Derby win under the belt that Explosive Jack was the horse to beat, in his mind. 

He said the three-year-old returned to Caulfield a week after his Randwick success and had galloped at Werribee and Sandown the past two Saturday’s. 

“He has done most of his work at Caulfield and he goes to the beach from Caulfield and I think he’s held his form very well,” Eustace said. 

Maher and Eustace will also saddle Let’s Karaka Deel in Saturday Group One contest. 

Let’s Karaka Deel has raced only twice this campaign, finishing second on each occasion, firstly in the Mornington Guineas (1600m) on March 20 and then in the Listed Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m) on April 10. 

Eustace said the stable decided against travelling to Adelaide for the Gr.3 Chairman’s Stakes (2000m) at Morphettville on April 24. 

“He’s going well but needs to step up,” Eustace said. 

“We were keen to not have to travel him twice, but he doesn’t need over-racing. 

“On a side-note, I think there is a bit of a problem with programming. 

“There should be a trial three weeks into that Derby because travelling over twice, going two weeks, two weeks, is tough on a young horse. 

“We certainly didn’t want to do it with him, but we’re confident we can get him fit enough at home.” 

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