Group 1 racing is back at Morphettville this Saturday as we take a look at the key runners in the South Australian Derby.
Co-trainer David Eustace (along with Ciaron Maher) saddles up two key chances including $3 favourite Explosive Jack.
ATC Derby winner Explosive Jack is favourite for Saturday’s Group 1 having drawn perfectly with barrier 10 which will suit his get back and run-on style of racing.
“He’s the best horse in the race on form and we think he’s held that form from Sydney,” he said.
“He should be very hard to beat.”
Let's Karaka Deel is primed third-up and out to 2500m and the Eustace/Maher team have this three-year-old colt ready for its grand final on Saturday.
“Lets Karaka Deel is racing well and gets out to its preferred trip, he’s not without a chance,” he said.
Deepstrike will look to make amends following its disappointing run in last week’s Chairman’s Stakes when he contests the 2500m for three-year-olds.
Co-trainer Michael Kent Jnr is confident the gelding will run a big race.
“Hopefully he stays out of trouble, Damian Lane goes on and I think it’s a race where he’ll run top four,” he said on SEN Track's Bensley.
“He galloped very well on Tuesday and I think it’s all boding well for him as he’s on the way up.
“It feels like it’s right time right place.”
The highly fancied Ayrton is on track for a big showing at Caulfield this Saturday after impressing in a recent jump-out and Kent Jnr is hopeful he will run well.
“There is pressure and expectation on this horse, but everything has gone to plan,” he said.
“Touch wood, hopefully he kicks off like he finished last prep.”
Star Kiwi trainer Jamie Richards provided an update on current New Zealand horse of the year Melody Belle ahead of the Hollindale Stakes at Gold Coast.
“She came overnight from Randwick, we’re pleased with how she’s travelled and settled in,” he said.
“She’s going to be well back and it’s going to be very hard to win in that spot, it’s awfully hard to win from there.”
Melody Belle is currently a $7.50 chance with TAB.