A few years ago, leading trainers Greg and Skye Bond enjoyed considerable success with New Zealand-bred mares Jungle Genie and Jungle Jewel, and it came as no surprise that Sagano, a half-sister to those talented mares, won the Sky Racing Pace over 2536m at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Sagano, a five-year-old by Christian Cullen raced by his New Zealand breeder Craig McConchie and Greg Bond, is a slim, lightly-framed mare who raced 23 times in New Zealand for five wins and three placings.
At her third appearance in Western Australia, she was the $2.40 favourite for Greg and Skye Bond and star reinsman Ryan Warwick, who drove her to an all-the-way victory over $6 chance Deeorse, rating 2.0.8 after final quarters of 27.6sec. and 28.9sec.
Her dam Jungle Jane had 43 starts for six wins, ten placings and stakes of $58,371. Jungle Jane produced Jungle Genie, who had 119 starts for 23 wins, 31 placings and $284,354, and Jungle Jewel, whose 81 starts resulted in 16 wins, 30 placings and stakes of $238,877.
The Bonds won 17 races with Jungle Genie and enjoyed 15 wins with Jungle Jewel.
by Ken Casellas