Trainer Mick Bell says his stable star Jungle Edge loves attention and would be a perfect addition to Living Legends when he eventually retires.
But there is still plenty of racing left in Jungle Edge who lines up again on Saturday in the Group Three Bletchingly Stakes at Caulfield.
The rising 10-year-old is chasing successive Caulfield victories having taken the Sir John Monash Stakes on July 11.
Jungle Edge has been in sparkling form this year, winning the W J Adams Stakes at Caulfield in February along with the D C McKay Stakes at Morphettville in May.
It is that victory which is the subject of an irregularity in a swab sample that has Bell puzzled ahead of a looming South Australian stewards inquiry.
But Bell is not letting that hinder his preparation of Jungle Edge who has been given a quiet time since his latest win.
Some light work and trips to the pool has Jungle Edge “jumping out of his skin” according to Bell.
“He’s been going to the track, but he hasn’t been doing a lot and that’s been the secret to his longevity,” Bell said.
“I don’t go out to make him run time as he could anytime he wants to, but the main thing is to keep him feeling as well as he can.
“He likes the pool at Cranbourne. He splashes in the water for about five minutes before he’ll actually go for a swim.
“He’s real character and that’s why if he gets the chance to go to Living Legends they’ll enjoy him as he loves attention and would like that kind of lifestyle.”
Bell remains keen on securing a start in The Everest although he realises there are horses with bigger profiles than his charge.
Then there is the matter of border closures that so far prevent Victorian horses crossing into NSW.
In the meantime Bell is concentrating on Saturday’s race and if the wet weather remains the Carlyon Stakes at The Valley on August 22 is a possibility.
“Nothing is set in stone as I’ve always trained him around the weather,” Bell said.
Jungle Edge, who will be ridden again by Jade Darose, has been installed the $5.50 second favourite for Saturday’s race behind Godolphin galloper Viridine ($3).
Viridine chased home Jungle Edge in the Monash Stakes.
