Jungle Deuce stunning in Gold Bullion romp

By Jordan Gerrans 

Seven wins from seven attempts at Albion Park.

Seven straight victories around Australia – two at Group 1 level and another in a Group 2.

There is little wonder why everyone wants to "get on the Deuce" and get behind one of the most popular and outstanding greyhounds in the country at the moment.

The son of Barcia Bale put on a show in wet conditions on Thursday evening at Albion Park to add the 2022 Group 1 Gold Bullion trophy to his resume, just weeks after collecting the Paws Of Thunder and Golden Sands.

Most owners and trainers dream of winning two Group 1 events in their entire career and for Jungle Deuce, he has claimed two in just under a fortnight.

Starting as the $2.60 favourite from box two, Jungle Deuce was led by last year’s Ipswich Gold Cup winner Louis Rumble through the opening stages before burning away prior to the home turn to get home in a quick 29.71 seconds over the 520-metre journey.

Forbes-based trainer Jack Smith was a proud man of his star dog post-race, with his career earnings going to $649,070.

“He is unbelievable, yeah,” Smith said.

“The box draws have been kind to him but you still have to do it and he has done it.

“He has got a big motor, do not worry about that.”

Albion Park race caller John Brasch has called Jungle Deuce’s two Group level victories in Brisbane over The TAB Golden Greys Summer Carnival and summed up his performance to perfection on Thursday evening as he crossed the line.

“This is simply sensational,” Brasch said.

With his Golden Sands and Gold Bullion triumphs across the summer, those are on top of his stunning performances in previous carnivals in Brisbane, including the Listed State of Origin Match Race and the Group 2 Flying Amy Classic.

“He certainly does love it here,” Smith said.

“We will have to get here more, I think.”

Golden Ticket winner from earlier in the carnival, Kooringa Lucy, ran a gallant race to finish second behind Jungle Deuce with early leader Louis Rumble rounding out the top three.

Looking ahead, Jungle Deuce was earlier this week announced as one of the top 12 greyhounds for the TAB Rookie Rebel, to be run over 600 metres, which will be run on Saturday 12 February, kicking off the TAB Australian Cup Carnival.

In other feature races on the last night of the TAB Golden Greys Summer Carnival, Western Australian stayer We The People claimed the Group 3 $150,000 Gold Cup for caretaker trainer Selena Zammit.

Back home across the Nullarbor, We The People is prepared by Sean Kavanagh with the black bitch upsetting race favourite Knicks Bale in the Final.

In the TAB Country Cup Final it was Rockhampton dog Love You Peaches who will take the spoils back to Central Queensland for trainer Ken Boody.

The blue bitch has been flying in the Beef capital of Australia and she brought the form to town as she scored by a length and a half as the odds-on favourite.