Valley return a chance for Jungle Edge
Popular sprinter Jungle Edge could return at The Valley after an enforced spell following a bleed.
Veteran sprinter Jungle Edge has been passed fit to resume his racing career which may be as early as The Valley on Saturday.
Jungle Edge is among nominations for a 1000m-handicap having not raced since suffering a bleeding attack at Flemington when sixth over 1400m in August.
Racing Victoria stewards passed the gelding on Monday after he completed a 1000m-gallop to their satisfaction at Cranbourne.
Trainer Mick Bell conceded he would have liked an extra two or three weeks before starting Jungle Edge again, but said there was no suitable race.
And the gelding needs to run ahead of a possible trip to New Zealand for the Railway Stakes and Telegraph Handicap, both Group One sprints during January.
“He’s a good chance of running on Saturday,” Bell said.
“The trouble is I’m running out of races for him. I really wish I had a few more weeks up my sleeve before I run him, but the reality is there’s this Saturday and then there’s nothing.
“The only other races on the horizon is an invitation to New Zealand so if everything checks out all right blood wise and if the rain comes, he’ll run, but he’ll be a bit underdone.”
Ideally Bell would have liked to gallop Jungle Edge in front of stewards last week and then give the gelding a trial at Cranbourne on Monday.
Now a nine-year-old, Jungle Edge has pleased Bell who says the gelding has come back from his setback in terrific order.
“The horse is feeling great, probably as good as he’s ever felt, but I’d prefer to know I’d be getting a wet track and the same race in three weeks time, but it is what it is,” he said.
Jungle Edge has 61kg on Saturday and will be ridden by 2kg claiming apprentice Michael Poy.
Poy first teamed with Jungle Edge in victory on Ballarat Cup day 12 months ago and has ridden the gelding in four of his past five starts.
“Michael Poy is his rider now and he galloped him this morning,” Bell said.