TOP trainer Ciaron Maher is looking forward to the $500,000 South Australian Derby with confidence as he saddles up Explosive Jack and Let's Karaka Deel in the group one classic at Morphettville on Saturday.
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Maher, who put an unlucky second placing by Heart Of Puissance in Thursday's Warrnambool Cup behind him, said he was already looking forward to next year's three-day May carnival.
"Warrnambool is a massive carnival," the Winslow-raised trainer told The Standard.
"Heart Of Puissance was unlucky but that's racing.
"The carnival is a magnificent event for the city of Warrnambool and district."
Maher said the South Australian Derby would suit Explosive Jack and Let's Karaka Deel.
"Explosive Jack has not gone backwards from his ATC Derby win," he said.
"He's a very good colt and I'm sure with a bit of time he's going to improve even more.
"This race looks to suit him. Let's Karaka Deel has furnished into a beautiful type of colt.
"I thought he ran really well in the Port Adelaide Guineas at his last run.
"The Port Adelaide Guineas is usually a great lead-in race to the Derby.
"The Guineas was over 1800 metres while the Derby is over 2500 metres which should suit Let's Karaka Deel better."
Irish-born jockey John Allen, who rides Explosive Jack, starts a 20-meeting suspension on Sunday night after causing interference on Heart Of Puissance in the Warrnambool Cup.
Meanwhile, Maher, who trains in partnership with David Eustace, also has runners at Caulfield on Saturday.
Warrnambool trainer Matthew Williams accepted with Intellective in a $125,000 restricted race over 1600 metres at Caulfield.
Horsham jockey Dean Yendall has been booked for the ride on the four-year-old mare.
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