Little Big talent
O’Brien’s youngster Bears teeth in Curragh rout
Little Big Bear tore his rivals apart for Aidan O’Brien in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.
The juvenile has made rapid headway this term but he was only the 13/8 second favourite in an especially strong renewal of the historic Group 1.
Ryan Moore kept thing simple on the colt, breaking smartly then quickly building up a useful lead during the early exchanges of the six- furlong showpiece race. Persian Force (4/1) was never far away and looked dangerous as he loomed alongside the leader two furlongs out.
However, he was left trailing in the dust when Little Big Bear used his potent turn of foot to power clear in the closing stages, eventually slamming his main victim by seven lengths.
Shartash (18/1) ran a blinder to finish third while the hot 11/8 favourite Bradsell could never overcome a poor start but stayed on well to claim fourth.
O’Brien was enjoying his 17h winner of the big race and said: “He looks a very special horse. We always thought from day one that he was something different. He’s big, fast, strong and uncomplicated.
“It was a very good race, the best of the two-year- olds were all there. Ryan Moore was very complimentary about him and there’s not too many horses Ryan is complimentary of. He can go to the Morny, the Nunthorpe, I don’t think that he’s short of pace in any way and he’s strong and mature.
“He could go to the Middle Park or the Dewhurst. He’ll have a spell. You wouldn’t imagine seven furlongs would be any problem.”
Bookmakers were impressed with Little Big Bear now a 6/1 favourite for the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket in May.