Mountain Bear and Seamie Heffernan © Photo Healy Racing
Seamie Heffernan was taken by Mountain Bear s success in Dundalk's Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Star Appeal Stakes today, with the experienced winning jockey suggesting the Ballydoyle colt could be a Breeders Cup contender.
Held up off the pace in rear, Mountain Bear quickened while hanging left early in the home straight but ran straight in the concluding stages, moving past stablemate Battle Cry in the final furlong to score easily.
At the line, a length-and-three-parts separated the Aidan O'Brien-trained pair, which are both by leading stallion No Nay Never.
An impressed Heffernan reported “they went a good gallop, it rode a good race and we've always liked him.
“He hasn't got to the top level yet but I liked that performance. From a wide draw I didn't think I had much choice but to ride him for a turn of foot and he showed a big turn of foot.”
He added “he put his head down and ran hard for the last two furlongs which is a good trait. Some of the No Nay Nevers mature at different stages; a lot show plenty and don't develop, mature or are not up for it, but I liked the way he quickened.
“I'd say he has grown up - he has gone past the teenager style now and is going to be a man.
“He'll have no trouble getting a mile and I liked the performance. He ran very straight and hard to the line, he wasn't looking for a way out so he could have a future when he's mature.
“I'm sure Aidan (O'Brien) has plenty lined up for the Breeders Cup (in November) but I don't see why he wouldn't go. I was impressed with that performance.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
