Two rides on Detonator Jack and a timely rise in distance have jockey Jason Collett sure he’s ready to hit a peak performance in Saturday’s $2 million Five Diamonds (1800m) at Rosehill.
Jockey Jason Collett (Pic: Bradley Photos).
But the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace trained gelding has seemingly fallen out of favour, $13 with TAB on Thursday, despite being narrowly beaten in his major lead up, the Five Diamonds Prelude, three weeks ago.
Collett said he’s learned in his two rides that Detonator Jack is crying out for more ground.
He started favourite in the $1.5m Alan Brown (1400m), beaten 2.4 lengths by Cepheus, and was an $8.50 chance in the 1500m Prelude when nosed out by Palmetto.
“His first run in Sydney it was just too quick, too short distance wise,’’ Collett said.
“He sat on the back of the winner and just couldn’t go with the winner, and his finish wasn’t as strong.
“Last start over a touch further on the Randwick surface he was strong late.
“The way he’s found the line, and the impression I’m getting, the 1800m is going to suit him.”
Detonator Jack has had barrier one in his two Sydney starts and Collett said he’s pleased to have drawn a little off the fence for the grand final.
He feels the prospect of some give in the track, after Rosehill was rated a soft 6 on Friday morning, will only be to his advantage.
“It’s good to have good barriers but we didn’t want to use it last start because we felt we might have had him too close at his first run,’’ he said.
“I had to let Tommy Berry’s mount (Waterford) drop in front of him midrace to get him to come back into a more even rhythm.
“He’s going to have to come back off the gate, he’s not going to be ridden to be sitting in the first couple that’s for sure.”
Co-trainer David Eustace said on Sky Sports Radio Detonator Jack sets up well to run a big race while hopeful third emergency St Lawrence can gain a late call up.
“He was a bit stiff not to win the lead up, and has trained on nicely, and he’s a winner over 1800m,’’ he said.
– Racing NSW
