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Jakkalberry gelding leads home quinella for Maher and Eustace in South Australian Derby.
Explosive Jack (3 c Jakkalberry - Extra Explosive by Ekraar) landed his third Derby on Saturday when he led home a quinella for the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace stable in the South Australian Derby (Gr 1, 2500m) at Morphettville and the colt could now be set for a crack at the Queensland Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) at Eagle Farm on May 29.
Ridden by Johnny Allen, the gelding burst clear on turning for home, eventually beating on his stablemate Let's Karaka Deel (Dundeel) by two and a half lengths, with Nobel Heights (Fiorente) finishing the same distance away in third.
In winning the race, Explosive Jack takes his record to five successes from eight starts, which includes victories in the Tasmanian Derby (Listed, 2200m) and Australian Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) and he has accrued $1,735,730 in career prize-money.
"I was probably a bit nervous early but he was in a really good rhythm,'' Maher said.
"I thought he was in a similar position as the AJC Derby. John said that every time he sits on him he gets better.
"It was a super job by the team. We will see about the Queensland Derby and will let the dust settle. Let's Karka Deel was great, he will go to the Derby in Queensland (May 29).''
Allen said: "He is a momentum horse. I was happy to have three wide with cover. He was always travelling well.
"It was a bit messy a little bit down the back but I was happy to be in striking position and he just took me into the race. He is a very nice type.''
Purchased by Peter Moody for $100,000 at Book 1 of the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale in 2019 from the Novara Park draft - where his sire Jakkalberry (Storming Home) resided until his untimely death in 2018, Explosive Jack is out of the Listed-winning Ekraar (Red Ransom) mare Extra Explosive.
Extra Explosive herself is a half-sister to Listed-placed Explosive Dancer (San Luis) - the dam New Zealand Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) winner Vin De Dance (Roc De Cambes).
Further back this is the same family as Group 3 winner The Red Express (Exploding Prospect).
Extra Explosive's colt by Little Avondale shuttler Time Test (Dubawi) was purchased by Benner Racing for NZ$65,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale earlier this year.
Explosive Jack is the only stakes winner for Jakkalberry and he died in 2018 after succumbing to a gut infection.