Breeders Cup Possible For No Nay Never’s Latest Stakes Winner

Friday saw Mountain Bear (2c No Nay Never - Holy Alliance, by Holy Roman Emperor) gain a deserved black-type win in the Listed Star Appeal Stakes at Dundalk.

Aidan O’Brien’s charge won a competitive Curragh maiden in June and went on to take third in the Group 2 Vintage Stakes, before finishing fourth in two Group races. He was ridden patiently by Seamie Heffernan on Friday and had just one rival behind him turning for home. Switched out to challenge, he was ridden into second a furlong from home and ran on well to beat stablemate Battle Cry (No Nay Never) by a length and three quarters. The Ballydoyle pair finished three and a half lengths clear of the third.

“They went a good gallop,” Heffernan later commented. “It rode a good race and we've always liked him. 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.”

Looking forwards, the winning rider continued, “I'm sure Aidan has plenty lined up for the Breeders Cup but I don't see why he wouldn't go. I was impressed with that performance.”

Owned by Coolmore partners, Mountain Bear was bred by Whisperview Trading and is a half-brother to Group performer Moon Daisy (Australia).