Win postpones retirement…for now!

HANDY pacer Jogalong Blue seems intent on ending the season in the same manner in which he started it and postponing retirement in the process.

On the verge of being retired earlier this month, Jogalong Blue broke a nine-month drought from the winners’ circle at Club Menangle last week.

Rewind to the start of the year, however, and the Troy Williams-trained gelding was in top form with four wins and two placings from his first six starts of the season.

Returning to Club Menangle on Monday, Jogalong Blue completed consecutive victories, giving hope to a late season resurgence.

“He’s an absolute headache,” Williams said. “He just doesn’t pace well, but when he puts it together he’s good.

“The fact he is back to a suitable grade has certainly made a big difference. He hasn’t been in that class since February and that’s when he was winning.

“I was ready to retire him a couple of weeks ago, so he’s earned a reprieve for now.”

With Robbie Morris in the cart, Jogalong Blue was nursed into the first turn before being settled two-back in the running line as Will I Am led from gate two.

Continuing to race roughly around the final bend, the son of Soho Valencia completed a three-and-a-half metre win from Halloween.

Rogervalerio Lombo was four metres away third in 1:54.8 over a mile.

“He went like a crab again, but got the job done,” Williams said. “He almost broke a couple of times at the start and then Robbie had to drive him on one rein up the straight to keep him going.

“It was an ugly win, but a win all the same!”