Jungle Dragon slays them

Outstanding three year old Jungle Dragon (Fear the Dragon) stamped himself as a key contender for the New South Wales Breeders Challenge when he scored one of the easiest wins on record in his heat of the Nutrien Equine Breeders Challenge Heat at Bathurst on Wednesday evening.

Fresh from his win in the Cobbity Equine New South Wales Blue Breeders Challenge Jungle Dragon made use of his favourable barrier 2 draw and driver Jason Hewitt allowed the gelding to stride to the lead.

Second favourite Sweet On Lexy was wide early but then manoeuvred into the one out and one back trail. From the pole draw Stay Foolish was behind the leader.

Once there Jungle Dragon relaxed in front. The speed quickened in the third quarter with 27.3 seconds and then Hewitt allowed Jungle Dragon to draw well clear on straightening to record a scintillating last quarter in 26.8 seconds.

JUNGLE DRAGON SEP 24 REPLAY

At the finish Jungle Dragon ended up nine metres ahead of Sweet On Lexy who was very brave finishing second while Evelyns Dragon who had to race outside the leader boxing on for third a further 15 metres away.

Trained by Jason’s father Bernie, Jungle Dragon is raced by Ray Connolly who bred the gelding. He also bred and raced Jungle Dragon’s dam Ima Black Beauty a tough race mare who raced on 81 occasions for 13 wins and 18 placings. Ima Black Beauty is also the dam of four year old Jungle Beauty lightly raced for two wins.

On the strength of his win Jungle Dragon looks poised to qualify in the semi finals at Menangle on October 18 and ultimately for the Group 1 $150,000 Final at Menangle on October 25.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink