Jockey John Allen was not going to let the latest COVID-19 outbreak in Melbourne disrupt his hopes of winning a fourth Derby on Explosive Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry).
Allen left before Queensland shut their border to Victorians so as he could ride the TAB’s $2.90 favourite in the Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, Explosive Jack has been successful in the Listed Tasmanian Derby (2200m), the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) and Gr.1 South Australian Derby (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 would 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 mantlepiece.”
Explosive Jack was purchased out of Novara Park’s 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft by Moody Racing for $100,000.
