Link to Share The success of New Zealand-bred horses in the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) continued last Saturday with Explosive Jack taking out the Sydney Classic. The son of the ill-fated stallion Jakkalberry got up to win in the last stride of the 2400m feature, closing from the rear of the field to prevail from fellow New Zealand-bred runners Young Werther (Tavistock) and Lion’s Roar (Contributer). Trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, Explosive Jack followed a less traditional path into the Derby, traversing Australian states at will. He won on debut over 1600m in late November, before running fifth over 2100m at his next start. A month later he stepped up over 2400m when he won at Kembla Grange against older horses before heading to Tasmania to take out the Listed Tasmanian Derby (2200m) in February.