Jungle Dragon burns them off in Breeders Challenge

Trainer Bernie Hewitt completed a winning treble when his speedy gelding Jungle Dragon (Fear The Dragon) ran his harness racing rivals ragged in taking out the $100,000 Group 2 Cobbity Equine New South Wales Breeders Challenge Blue for three year old colts and geldings at Menangle on Saturday evening.

Earlier in the evening he guided Royal Cruiser (Sweet Lou) whom some say was unlucky in not obtaining a place in the Eureka to a stylish win in the $50,000 Bottlemart Stockade. He then combined with Ripp (Somebeachsomewhere) to lead all the way in the Great Northern Free For All.

Jungle Dragon who was a well supported second favourite was driven by Bernie’s son Jason who took the gelding to the lead and he kept the pace going throughout running quarters of 26.9, 28.9, 27.9 and 26.9 seconds and still looked very strong going to the line.

By contrast favourite Mac Bon had a torrid run sitting three wide, although at some stage he obtained some cover from Soho Darknstormy. Mac Bon didn’t get to the outside of the leader until the 800 metre mark and it was clear that he had done too much work to threaten the leader.

Jungle Dragon slipped clear on straightening and he packed too many punches for Oakie Smokeshow who just edged out Evelyn’s Dragon who finished in third placing.

JUNGLE DRAGON SEP 6 REPLAY

By keeping the pace on throughout Jungle Dragon was responsible for a fast mile rate of 1.50.6.Understandably with such a fast pace set throughout it was no surprise for Mac Bon to tire in fourth placing but his run was full of merit and that run should be best forgotten.

Raced by his breeder Raymond Connolly, Jungle Dragon is from the tough mare Ima Black Beauty who raced on 81 occasions for 13 wins starting her career in New South Wales where she won an Alabar Blue as a two year old at Menangle before ending her career as a five year old in Queensland.

Ima Black Beauty has also produced Jungle Beauty a four year old mare by Warrawee Needy and a winner of two races.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink