Forecast of rain gave Jungle an Edge

Returning from a picnic race meeting in country Victoria and noticing ants around his property has lead to Jungle Edge scoring a Group Three win for trainer Mick Bell.

Jungle Edge led throughout at Sandown on Saturday, claiming the Kevin Heffernan Stakes.

Bell had considered the seven-year-old’s campaign over after running fifth in the Sale Cup on October 29 before having a change of heart.

“With the way the weather pattern was I didn’t think I’d get this run out of him,” Bell said.

“He had a week where he had finished his campaign but last Saturday afternoon we looked at the weather forecast.

“The rain was coming and the ants were out, so when we got home from Balnarring races we chucked the saddle on him and trotted him around a couple of laps.”

The tactic worked as Jungle Edge ($9.50) relished the soft conditions under Kevin Forrester to win by a long-head from Casino Wizard ($18) with the $5 equal favourite Thronum a nose away third.

“I’m a real racing purist,” Bell said.

“Last Saturday I was at Balnarring enjoying myself but here today is pretty good.

“I had a win and a third at Balnarring last week then I had five runners at Pakenham on Thursday.”

Bell said Jungle Edge was a horse you dream of having, but is unfairly pigeon-holed by some claiming him to being purely a wet-tracker.

But for Bell he’s a special horse and the trainer said Saturday’s victory held significance after his wife Bev died earlier this year.

“He’s a special horse with everything that has happened in the last year, losing my wife,” Bell said.

“The last time we raced here, she was here, so for him to win today is so special.”