Sandown test for Detonator Jack

Group One performer Detonator Jack will be looking to extend his impressive form line when he heads to Sandown on Saturday for a mile assignment.

The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained gelding has won four and placed in two of his six starts to date, including placing in the Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2500m) in May.

He will reunite with jockey Harry Coffey, who rode the son of Jakkalberry to win on debut at Bendigo in March.

The now four-year-old has had two starts this campaign, for a first-up 1400m win at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day before a last start second to Green Fly, an opponent on Saturday, at Ballarat. 

"It's awesome to be given the opportunity from Ciaron and Dave and the owners," Coffey said. 

"He's a lovely horse and with John Allen getting suspended, it has allowed me to reunite with him, so I'm really looking forward to it on Saturday." 

Coffey remembers Detonator Jack's debut win well. 

"I got the feeling Johnny (Allen, jockey) was wanting to take the seat pretty quickly," Coffey said. 

"He was a bit of a lad early on, but I think they've ironed that out pretty well and he's putting it altogether now." 

Coffey is looking forward to seeing Detonator Jack on a firmer surface, along with a rise in trip. 

"He's a big powerful horse who has a lovely big action and dry tracks usually suit those types of horses," Coffey said. 

"It's great to be back on him, but when I did have that first sit on him, I thought he was a pretty nice horse and would like to ride him again. 

"Unfortunately, it's taken this long to get back on him."

Filly seals win on debut

A Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) path is in the offing for promising filly Sealed With A Kiss after she won on debut over 1200m at Hastings on Wednesday.

The three-year-old daughter of Tarzino won a 1000m trial at Avondale in the lead-up to the race and trainer Mark Walker was pleased with her 1-1/4 length winning performance at Hastings.

“She’s an exciting filly and a really good win, considering it was only 1200m and given her pedigree to go further,” he said.

“She’s a big, scopey, filly with a bright future, that Dave (Ellis) bought at the Ready To Run Sale, and we’d like to think she could keep developing and stepping up to be an Oaks contender.”

Sealed With A Kiss was purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis out of Lilywhites Lodge 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale draft for for $250,000.