News

News

posted on 9 May, 2021

Novara Park's Jack creates history

Explosive by name and result was the apt way to describe the jaw-dropping win of rising star Explosive Jack ($4 fav) in the Group 1 SA Derby at Morphettville.

Steered with unbelievable calm from jockey John Allen, who brought up his fourth SA derby in the past six years and his 12th Group 1 overall, Explosive Jack had no luck, sitting three wide for most of the trip.

But Allen didn’t worry with his lack of early fortune to gather in the early leaders and shoot clear on straightening. The victory was Explosive Jack’s third after winning the Australian Derby in April this year and Tasmanian Derby in February.

The winner was trained by the powerful combo of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, who also prepared the second horse Let’s Karaka Deel.

Maher said the winner’s fitness was a key. “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.

Allen, who has enjoyed outstanding success in Australia since relocating from Ireland, whether it be at the provincials, over jumps or at the top level, wasn’t about to hit the panic button after his early position.

“It was messy early but we were three-wide with cover and they went very slow, but I was able to flow into it and when he cruised up to them on the turn, I knew the one thing I didn’t have to worry about was running out the trip.”

Explosive Jack was purchased by Peter Moody, who was taking a break from training at the time, for $100,000 out of the draft of Novara Park at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale at Karaka.

A half-brother to Pick Number One, the Champion Griffin in Hong Kong in 2017-18, Explosive Jack is the second stakes-winners from as many to race out of Extra Explosive.

A daughter of Ekraar, Extra Explosive won the Listed Castletown Stakes (1200m) and is a half-sister to the stakes-placed Explosive Dance, the dam of the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) winner Vin de Dance

« Back to news

St James Timeform

Says of King of Comedy :

King Of Comedy put in an outstanding effort to finish second beaten a neck by Champion 3YO Miler in France Circus Maximus and half a length ahead of Champion 3YO Colt in Europe Too Darn Hot.

RaceNet - www.racenet.com.au/profiles/horse/press-statement

Says of Press Statement :

Given that it has won at Group One level and has amassed $1,832,275 in career earnings, Press Statement is regarded as an elite class of racehorse.

Henry Plumptre - Managing Director of Darley Australia.

Says of Sweynesse :

"These three colts are the best colts this year and there is probably a half-length
between them. It is fantastic."

Hugh Bowman - Jockey

Says of Sweynesse :

"I was really pleased with First Seal but full credit to Sweynesse, I thought I had the race in my keeping. My filly wasn’t dying on her run but the colt picked me up and put me away."

Hideaki Fujiwara - Champion Trainer Japan

Says of Staphanos :

“Staphanos had outstanding ability showing speed and stamina. He was mentally and physically tough. I expect his progeny to be the same!”

Michael Cox - Former South China Morning Post and now The Age racing writer saw Staphanos in the flesh on the track and in his impressive morning workouts

Says of Staphanos :

"Staphanos is a horse of substance, mixing toughness and a no-nonsense temperament in a career in which he raced and beat some of the best Japan had to offer. What a coup by Luigi Muollo and Novara Park to secure this stallion and what an incredible opportunity for New Zealand breeders to send mares to such a highly credentialed son of Deep Impact. He has the looks, pedigree and racetrack performances to be a hit at stud. He could be a real game changer and just the type of stallion New Zealand needs."