Bell chimes in to push his Everest prospect

TRAINER Mick Bell has upped the ante with his campaign for a spot in The Everest for the remarkable Jungle Edge, urging Sydney officials to embrace racing’s best feelgood story.

Rising 10, Jungle Edge is the nation’s premier sprint mudlark. All 19 of his victories have come on rain-affected ground – often the terrain of the $15 million The Everest.

“Can you imagine how much publicity this horse would generate for the race?” Cranbourne-based Bell said.

“There’d be pages and pages on him. He’s such a great story.

“Apart from that, I know if they gave him a start, he’d run OK. I’m not saying he’d win it, but he could win it if the conditions were right.”

Jungle Edge’s victory in last Saturday’s Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield was his fifth at Group 3 level.

It quickly became a platform for Bell and his supporters to renew calls for the greybeard’s promotion into the nation’s richest race.

“Why not?” Bell said when asked if the veteran of 82 starts and winner of $1.75 million was worthy of consideration for slot-holders.

“He’s pulled up terrific, he’s jumping around like a twoyear-old today, he’s scary he’s that well in himself.

“With The Everest, I’ll have to work pretty hard to get a slot, but he’s worth it.

“Look, I’m prepared to change his colours and run him in the Big V colours in The Everest if that gives NSW a chance to beat the Vics.

“This race should be for everybody, it’s stupid to just give slots to the big players or colts who are on their way to stud.

“Think of the publicity — he’s got the following of people everywhere.

“People love this horse.”