Group winner Go Bears Go (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}) is coming into the Sept. 25 G1 Middle Park S. in good form after a brief freshening. The G2 Railway S. winner and G1 Phoenix S. third is one of 14 juveniles to stand their ground at this entry stage. A debut winner at Newbury for trainer David Loughnane, the colt was also second in the June 17 G2 Norfolk S. behind subsequent Group 1 winner Perfect Power (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}).
“We are exactly where we want to be, the ground looks like it's going to be in great condition,” said Loughnane. “We freshened him up and I think it's done him the world of good, physically and mentally. He's strengthened up loads and I couldn't be happier.
“It's a crucial time for 2-year-olds. People might look and say 'he's only had four runs why does he need a break', but he's been on the go since last December for a breeze up.
“That's a long time for a growing 2-year-old to keep rocking and rolling and he's done a lot of travelling, he went to Ireland twice in a short space of time. It's all systems go.”
Two Group 1 winners are currently signed on for the six-furlong test-the aforementioned G1 Prix Morny hero Perfect Power and the G1 Phoenix S. hero Ebro River (Ire) (Galileo Gold {GB}). Richard Hannon trainees Armor (GB) (No Nay Never), who won the G3 Molecomb S. and G2 Gimcrack S. victor Lusail (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) are both entered. Prix Morny third and G2 Richmond S. winner Asymmetric (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}) has stood his ground for Alan King, while Michael O'Callaghan has supplemented dual Group 2-placed Twilight Jet (Ire) (Twilight Son {GB}). The Clive Cox duo of G2 Mill Reef S. winner Wings of War (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and G2 Flying Childers S. victor Caturra (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) are also part of the field. A trio of Ballydoyle representatives are entered at this stage-Glounthaune (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), HMS Endeavour (War Front) and New York City (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). Completing the 14 are G3 Marble Hill S. winner Castle Star (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) and Ger Lyons trainee Dr Zempf (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}).
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