James McDonald with four winners and Damien Oliver with more records courtesy of two more Group One wins were the standout performers on Victoria Derby day. But another jockey can lay claim to creating a record of significance on the day also.
John Allen’s Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m) victory aboard the impressive Hitotsu (Maurice) registered his fourth Derby victory for 2021 following triple success in Tasmania, Adelaide and Sydney on Explosive Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry), who also finished third in the Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) for the rider.
The victory continued a great run in recent weeks following his first Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) win aboard State Of Rest (Starspangledbanner).
“It’s been a tremendous few weeks but I have been lucky to be on the right horse,” said Allen.
“They’ve been going okay for me and it’s just a pity that I won’t be there after Cup day but I am more than happy with the results I’ve been getting.”
Stewards have halted Allen’s run through the spring after suspending him on a careless riding charge post his Victoria Derby win for nine meetings, which will sideline him for Thursday’s Oaks meeting and Saturday’s Stakes day card.
But that leaves him with a chance at the biggest one of them all. He rides his Derby champion of last season Explosive Jack, who is coming off a substandard performance in the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m).
“I am pretty hopeful he will bounce back,” Allen said. “He didn’t really have an excuse at Caulfield but he’s going well and getting to Flemington might be good for him so I’m hopeful he can turn it around.
“His form before the Caulfield Cup was strong and I’d love him to run well on Tuesday because I’ve barely beaten a horse home in my two Melbourne Cup rides to date.”
Last year, Allen rode Avilius (Pivotal) in 22nd spot and in 2019 he finished 22nd on Downdraft (Camelot).
The former Irish jockey said he was disappointed not to be riding on Oaks day as he believed he was a chance to grab the classic double aboard Biscayne Bay (Sebring).
