A decisive Stawell jumpout performance buoyed stable optimism before Jugiong’s stunning debut victory at Bendigo.
The three-year-old upstaged his older brother and stablemate Magic Bertie who took nine starts to win his maiden, and judging by Saturday’s easy eye-catching result exciting times are ahead for owners John and Helen McPhee.
A son of Woodside Park’s stallion Foxwedge, Jugiong had finished last as well as twice second last in three jumpouts but last month at Stawell sparked interest easily winning without being asked for an effort.
Just as he had circled the field from last to win the jumpout out with Jarrod Fry aboard, jockey Will Gordon replicated the flight path on the gelding on Saturday.
With two other runners tailed off in the Watts Family Reunion Maiden Plate (1000m), Jugiong ($11) travelled easily at the rear of the main bunch and was five to six lengths off the lead before unwinding a brilliant home straight finish under hands and heels riding.
With remarkable ease, he quickly he gathered in the leaders and coasted home under a hold to score by 1-1/2 lengths.
Kathy’s Rose ($14) had tried to go with Jugiong over the final 100 metres, but she was no match at all and finished second, just in front of Breezy Bon ($6.50).
“It was terrific way to start his racing career,” trainer Vincent Malady said.
“He looked very good in his jumpout at Stawell and again ridden back today he could not have been more impressive.”
Bred by the McPhee’s, Jugiong is the second foal to race from five-time winning Zariz mare Dooen.
Her only other runner, Magic Bertie, also owned by the McPhees has won three races and placed another six times in his 24 starts.
Jugiong who the is named after a charming country village, nestled between the Murrumbidgee River and surrounding hills and is 39 km north-east of Gundagai.