Appproaching Bear (left) holds on© Photo Healy Racing
Approaching Bear (10/3) made all and clung on to a diminishing lead to land the two-year-old claimer for Joseph O’Brien.
The first-time blinkered Belardo colt was kicked clear by Dylan Browne McMonagle inside the final quarter mile and that was a race-winning move as he held the closers, Skip James and 15/8 favourite Texas Boy by a head and a neck.
The winner was getting off the mark at the eighth attempt.
“He's been consistent and got an intelligent ride,” said assistant trainer Brendan Powell.
“He stacked them up at the five until he turned in and then he kicked and got three lengths. That's what won him the race.
“Dylan said that's as far as he wants to go, I always thought he might want a bit further but he said at the line he was just holding on. The others were finishing as well.
“I think he just nicked it at the bend. The blinkers sharpened him up as well.
“The other day Jake (Coen) said he jumped out smart but in a big field he just backed off a bit when he got in. He's a genuine horse and it's lovely to get his head in front.”
Third home Texas Boy was claimed by Beau Stevens for 12k to be trained by Patrick Griffin while Trident Star (fourth) was claimed for 6k by James McAuley.
Quotes from Gary Carson
