Bear digs deep to gain follow up success

Heather Bear gained a follow up win with a gutsy performance in the concluding ten furlong handicap at Naas this afternoon.

The Andy Slattery-trained filly had opened her account at Gowran Park last month when springing a 50/1 surprise and was easy to back at 8/1 this time.

The trainer's son and namesake got her over from a wide draw to lead after a furlong-and-a-half and she refused to relinquish that lead in the closing stages. Rotolo emerged as a big danger over a furlong out while Pale Moonlight also came to press the front-runner.

Heather Bear pulled out plenty to record a half length win. Rotolo edged the runner-up sport by a nose in a tight finish.

Slattery senior said:- “She was drawn wide and I left the jockey with an open book. He got her out, she went to the front and she travelled a lot better today. I think she won nicely.

“Her ears were pricked and I think there might be a bit more left. I think she'll go a mile-and-a-half.

“She never travelled the last day and still won. I was surprised that the horses that were behind her then were a shorter price today. She won on merit the last day.

“She has surprised us as she's not the fastest in her work at home but she keeps producing on the track.

“She's very tough and she's out of a Dubai Destination mare which makes her stay.

“She's a nice mare, he (Dr Ronan Tynan) only gave €4,000 for her so he's very happy as she has two races won now.”