Alister Clark Stakes at Caulfield to trial Tasmanian Derby winner's form

Whenever the Ciaron Maher barn claimed the Tasmanian Derby last, it ignited a string of Derby conquests nationwide.

In 2021, Explosive Jack dominated the Tasmanian Derby, followed by triumphs in the Australian Derby at Sydney and the South Australian Derby at Adelaide.

Subsequently, the three-year-old journeyed to Brisbane and recorded a third-place finish in the Queensland Derby.

The freshest success for Maher in Hobart's Tasmanian Derby arrived via Dad And Dave last month, mirroring Explosive Jack's trajectory as he eyes the trio of leftover Australian Derbies this year.

One stage of this campaign involves the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes at 2000m on Caulfield's track this Saturday, serving as Dad And Dave's comeback from his Tasmanian Derby win.

"He's got that Tassie form, and he's had a little bit of time since then," Maher said.

"But this race will shape where we go. Potentially Sydney and potentially on the Explosive Jack path to Adelaide and Brisbane after that.

"He (Explosive Jack) did the lot, but this horse is probably not as robust at the same time as Explosive Jack, but we'll see how he goes.

"He's in pretty good order, all the same."

Amazake will line up alongside Dad And Dave for the Alister Clark Stakes pursuit of his breakthrough success.

Prior to the Victoria Derby (2500m) where he placed midfield, Amazake was third in the spring Caulfield Classic over Saturday's course and distance.

His latest effort saw Amazake take second in a 1600m maiden at Pakenham earlier in the month.

"I just like the way he went through the line at Pakenham," Maher said.

"It's a more testing track there, and he hit the line pretty well.

"Being a three-year-old, he's got plenty of time to knock off a maiden, but he stays OK and can burn around in the Alister Clark Stakes."

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