Bear stakes Coventry claim in Marble Hill

Jessica Harrington looks to have a smart bunch of two-year-olds this season, and Brother Bear booked his ticket for Royal Ascot when taking the Cold Move Irish EBF Marble Hill Stakes at the Curragh.

The 2/1 favourite travelled sweetly thoughout, although he did drift left under Colm O’Donoghue when asserting inside the final furlong.

The son of Kodiac still stayed on strongly to beat Would Be King (20/1 in the morning but sent off at 7/1) by three lengths, with U S Navy Flag a further length and three quarters away in third.

Harrington said, “That was fantastic as I was very worried about the ground. It was good to firm at Leopardstown and he skipped across it but today it was the complete opposite.

“He learned from his first run as he was quick out of the stalls today. He rolled around a bit on the ground in front.

“The Coventry Stakes is more than likely where he’ll go if all is alright but he has to step up again.”

O'Donoghue said, “Jessie was very happy with his work. He's tightened up and he's improved. He's going through stages and it's good to see him go and win again.

“I go on what Jessie is happy with, and she gives me lots of confidence every day I ride.”

Paddy Power cut the winner into 11/2 (from 12/1) for the Coventry, while Betfair go 6/1. Boylesports have introduced him at 33/1 for next year’s 2000 Guineas.

An exciting colt - Brother Bear remains unbeaten for @Jessica_Racing after running out a decisive winner of the Marble Hill at @curraghrace: pic.twitter.com/3AlBbe5qfg

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 27, 2017