Detonator Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry) might be one of Ciaron Maher’s less-heralded contenders in Saturday’s Gr.1 Doncaster Mile (1600m), but a few things look like going the consistent gelding’s way.
Heavy rain might scare off many of his rivals, but Detonator Jack’s one win and one second placing from just two goes on a Heavy surface is positive reading for connections.
“He’s in great order, it’s very exciting to get into the Doncaster,” owner Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock’s Darren Dance said.
“We’ve always believed he goes as good on wet as he does on dry, when he won The Gong it was pretty wet and he seemed to get through it well.
“It’s a hard race to win but for once we have a decent gate, he’s got a low weight (52.5kg) and it’s going to rain, so that’s three things in our favour.
“If it’s really wet there’ll probably be a few come out, a few that don’t go in it, so there might only be six-to-eight horses that can win the race on the day and he’s probably one of them.
“It’s not every day you get a $4 million race with a lot of things in your favour, so I don’t think there’ll be any excuses for him on the day.”
The son of Jakkalberry resumed with a pleasing run in the Gr.2 Ajax over 1500m and has come on well for the run.
To be ridden by Tim Clark, Detonator Jack will jump from barrier two and is a $15 hope with Sportsbet.
“His run was good first-up, he maybe ended up on the wrong part of the track and gave out a little bit late, but it’s certainly primed him up for this,” Dance said.
“I don’t know where he gets to from that gate, that’s my main concern, but I’d much rather draw two than 20, Tim Clark is a good engagement because he’s a positive rider, I expect him to be somewhere midfield and he’ll just angle out at the right time.
“It’s a serious race but he deserves his chance and we are very excited to see what he can do.”
