Little Big Bear mauls Phoenix rivals to leap to head of 2000 Guineas market

Little Big Bear put up an awesome display to land the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes under Ryan Moore at the Curragh.

The Aidan O'Brien trained colt, who had won his last three starts, was quickly into stride and led the five runner field in the initial stages.

Favourite Bradsell was unfortunate to stumble leaving the gates but did well to get back into contention under Hollie Doyle. Both himself and Persian Force briefly threw down challenges to the eventual winner over two furlongs from home but their efforts were short lived.

As soon as Moore asked the Ballydoyle trained colt for a bit extra, the response was devastating. Devouring the ground from the furlong pole to the winning post, he opened up a gap of seven lengths between himself and toiling rivals. Shartash stayed on from off the pace to take third, although Bradsell can be forgiven the below par run given his earlier exertions.

Aidan O’Brien, “He’s a big, powerful, strong horse. He cruises and quickens.

“Before the race we had a bit of a scare with him when he came up here. He kicked a wall and the clip of the shoe went into his foot. He was a little bit tender when the shoe was put back on.

“It could have went either way very easily so it was a great call by John Halley and Lynn Hillyer to let him run.

“Ryan said when he let him go it was all over. He’d been progressing from every run. He ran here the last day with the view of going for this race.

“He loves good ground so he can show his speed. It was a very good race but he has serious class. From day one we thought he was a bit special.

“At Ascot we thought he would get away with five even though we were happy going six with him.

“The lads can decide what they want to do. He has plenty of options and he can do anything I suppose.

“I’m not sure we ever had one to do that in this race. It was a deep field.”

It was the 17th time that Aidan O'Brien won the Phoenix Stakes. On son, Joseph, training 1,000 winners, O'Brien added; “I’m over the moon for Joseph. I know how hard he works, it’s everyday 24 hours.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee

Paddy Power made Little Big Bear their new 5/1 favourite(from 12/1) for the 2000 Guineas.