FRIDAY DOUBLE AT GEELONG

Jungle Jim and Arctic Wolf kept our winning start to 2021 going with strong performances at Geelong today.

Jungle Jim (pictured) made the most of an uncontested lead to make all the running and win the Maiden Plate over 1247m with Jordan Childs in the saddle.

Mike Moroney had fitted blinkers to Jungle Jim to help focus the son of Canford Cliffs and it had the desired effect.

“It was a nice solid win I thought and good to break his maiden at just his second start,” Moroney said.

“He relaxed in front and then was able to quicken up off the bend so even though it was not the strongest of races he has still done well to win.

“We’ve been patient with him and he’s still learning so we’ll take a conservative approach with him and work our way through the grades.”

Arctic Wolf made a winning start to his new preparation, finishing strongly to win in the last race, the benchmark 58 handicap over 1347m and Daniel Stackhouse riding after Noel Callow was injured earlier in the day.

It was the first start this preparation for the Sebring four-year-old who finished sixth last time out over 1600m at Flemington in July however Moroney was not surprised.

“I’m very happy with the way he has come back and his jumpouts leading into this race had been encouraging,” Moroney said.

“He had the big weight of 62kg but he was the best horse in the race and Daniel gave him a patient ride.

“He’s a horse I have always thought had city potential and now that he looks over his little issues I’d like to think he can still get to that level.”