Ciaron Maher and David Eustace hope a win in Canberra on Friday with Capri Lane will preface a huge weekend for the Victorian-based stable.
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The pair will unleash the classy Explosive Jack in the $2m Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday, chasing their eighth Group 1 win since striking up a training partnership three years ago.
Maher said the Jakkalberry colt was primed for a big race following his Listed Tasmanian Derby (2200m) win in February.
"He's been improving every week, his last run in particular he got back and really hit the line hard, he's a genuine stayer," Maher said.
"He's travelled up [to Sydney], he's looking well and will run the mile and a half."
Explosive Jack drew barrier 15 for the Derby, which was a disappointment to the Maher-Eustace stable.
"Obviously I would've much preferred a better draw so we could land a bit closer, especially out to the 2400m," Maher said.
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Maher and Eustace will also saddle up outsider Toscanini in the Derby with in-form jockey Jamie Kah to ride the colt.
Maher expected Toscanini to handle his first step up to the mile and a half.
"His last race he didn't get a whole lot of luck, he was posted wide and I just think his work on Tuesday was great and that was the catalyst for rolling the dice," Maher said.
"He's drawn well and he's going to get a lovely run in this race."
Meanwhile, Capri Lane will tackle the Benchmark 60 Handicap (1400m) at Thoroughbred Park on Friday after running fifth in last Wednesday's Federal Handicap (1300m).
"We made a slight gear change and went to the visors," Maher said.
"He's a tricky horse but if he turns up he will be more than competitive."
Leading Canberra trainer Keith Dryden will likely saddle up the Federal Handicap favourite, with Perfect Pitch looking to go one better than her second-placed finish to fellow local Zelago in the Benchmark 65 Handicap (1400m) on Black Opal Stakes day last month.
SCORSEY'S SAUCE
Former leading jockey John Scorse provides all the tips you need for Canberra's April 8 meeting.
Best Bet: Race 3, No 3 Nicci's Song - Has come back a much stronger filly winning 2 from 3 runs in impressive fashion, should be too slick for these.
Race one:
No 4 I Like Big Putts - Placed here in strong race on debut in November, unplaced first up at the provincials, his experience can get him home here.
No 6 Silk tie - On debut here and placed recent city trial, has the rails draw and blinkers on she looks the danger.
No 3 Never Astern - Well beaten only start last prep, looks to have come back well judging by recent trial.
No 2 Danish Prince - Can improve on only start, watch market.
Race two:
No 1 Kibosh - Well bred filly who was placed twice in strong provincial maidens last prep, has trialled well for this and drawn to get the right run, she is clearly on top.
No 2 Mustang Suzy - Very speedy filly resuming off good trials, worked hard to lead here on debut when just behind placegetters then failed on the heavy, main danger.
No 5 Shecago - Good effort on debut at dubbo when well fancied, small field suits.
No 6 Hey Dugee - Next best.
Race three:
No 3 Nicci's Song - Very smart filly who is at her top and hard to see her beaten here, broke the course record in recent win at Albury, too good here.
No 5 Our Finvarra - Honest type who loves this t/d, unsuited on the wet track last time, dry track make him the quinella horse.
No 4 No Doubt A Star - In good form this prep and will run his usual honest race here.
No 6 Russbuss - Next best.
Race four:
No 7 Knuckle Warrior - Looks very close to a win, dropping back to the mile but this not as strong, he should break through here.
No 3 Mossy Oak - Comes here off solid win thus trip last start, will be prominent throughout again.
No 2 Jack The Brumby - Honest type improving each run, will lead for a long way.
No 5 Choosday Nights. - She has claims here.
Race five:
No 1 Capri Lane - Looks set to peak at third run in and back in grade, raced on speed with the blinkers on and tired off a 5 week break last start, he finds the right race here.
No 2 I Arize - Resuming and races well fresh, gets back but usually strong late and claim will help him.
No 5 Damit. - Three runs this prep all spaced, well weighted and likes this trip.
No 8 Roc De Khaper - Next best.
Race six:
No 5 Pitch Perfect - Nice mare racing well, back in distance off a freshen up and suited in a small field, she is well placed here.
No 2 Zelago - Worked hard to lead from wide gate last Saturday at Kembla, back up will be no problem, good chance.
No 4 Royal Monarch - In good form this prep with three solid placings, handles all conditions.
No 7 Ons Vier - Next best.
Race seven:
No 2 Everyone - Put up a big performance to score on debut on a wet track when unfancied, can only improve and extra distance suits.
No 3 Special Privilege - Racing well this prep and without luck, drawn to get the right run this time, he is overdue.
No 5 The Deepest Secret - Very consistent mare who will run well here.
No 1 Roshan - Watch market.
Race eight:
No 6 Legal Challenge - Rarely far away in strong maiden company and this looks the right race for him, placed his only try this t/d hard to beat.
No 7 Mr Plucka - Improving type and should be suited by the extra distance, drawn to get a nice run.
No 8 Unique Prince - Good effort on debut on heavy when making good ground, watch market.
No 12 Kerrisdale - Next best.
