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Mark Johnston marches to the beat of his own drum. And does not take prisoners.
If Jukebox Jury is not among the first eight horses at the winning post with a lap to travel in today's Melbourne Cup there will be birdcage fireworks after the race.
The Scottish-born former veterinarian does not put a lie to his ginger hair. Jukebox Jury's rider Englishman Neil Callan has not previously ridden in Australia and that has Johnston worried.
English staying races run to a pattern. Starting off very casually and steadily building momentum. We've seen plenty of English jockeys left behind in the mad early dash of Melbourne Cups.
"I just hope I can convince Neil how fast they will run the first 400m, but I don't think he's hearing me.
"It's critical. It might only be two seconds after the start a new jockey realises the mistake of not beginning quickly in a Melbourne Cup, but by then it's too late - you're at the back of the field."
Fortunately for the team, Jukebox Jury is in Europe a front-running stayer, but is not used to the pace he will experience today.
"We thought about using an Australian jockey. We've done it both ways in three previous trips and neither situation is perfect.
"An imported jockey will know the horse better, but won't know the track. A local jockey will know the track, but not the horse. You just have to hope."
By Mike Dillon
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