Jungle Deuce shows versatility in Paws Of Thunder victory
Jungle Deuce added G1 winner to his burgeoning resume with a brilliant performance in the Ladbrokes Paws of Thunder Final at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.
Extending his stunning summer 2022 form to five consecutive victories, Jungle Deuce ($5.50) denied Wow ($2.80 fav) redemption in the $75,000 to the winner feature by just under a length.
Wow was first past the post in the 2021 edition of the Paws of Thunder but subsequently disqualified due to a positive swab.
Jungle Deuce’s success, his 23rd from 39 outings, boosted the son of Barcia Bale’s career earnings beyond $442,000 for popular Forbes trainer Raymond Smith.
“Two different states, two different distances, how good’s that,” Smith said, referencing Jungle Deuce’s G2 victory in the $75,000 Gold Sands Final over 600m at Albion Park on January 6, two starts prior to the 520m NSW triumph.
“It was great, he’s a great dog.”
Smith could not have scripted the Paws of Thunder Final more accurately.
He predicted his superstar would settle forward without leading from box three and must have been grinning broadly going into the first turn when Jungle Deuce landed third.
The favourite flew the boxes from the yellow to lead, with $18 chance Chase Me Honey crossing comfortably from box eight to settle on his outside.
In contrast, $3.70 second elect Do It got caught up with the winner’s kennel mate Irinka Riley ($15) shortly after the start, drifted back towards the tail of the field and was never in contention.
Jungle Deuce followed the rail every step of the way and took full advantage when Wow drifted up the track turning for home, presenting the most perfect inside run.
His hulking 34kg frame did the rest, powering to the line to score in 29.52 which was marginally quicker than his 29.59 heat win seven days earlier.
Wow was brave in defeat while tiny Chase Me Honey (26kgs and the only bitch in the contest) ran a super race to fill third, a length and a half behind the winner.
Jungle Deuce now looks well-placed and is the $8 equal favourite with Sportsbet for the Gold Bullion (520m) series to be raced at Albion Park on February 3.