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.