Bear On The Loose is shaping up as a strong contender in the upcoming Caloundra Cup at the Sunshine Coast, following an encouraging staying test last start.
Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, the Tulloch Lodge gelding was stretched to 2400m for the first time in the Winter Cup and responded admirably, leading for much of the race before being overtaken late by stablemate Sir Lucan.
Adrian Bott is confident the horse will benefit from the run and is looking for further improvement on Saturday.
“For his first attempt at the trip, his run was excellent,” Bott said.
“There were questions over whether he could get the trip and I think he relishes it. He ran it out very strongly.
“He was there for a long way and it took a horse who’d had a better run in transit and had the sit on him to run him down. He was unlucky to get beaten.”
While options in Sydney such as the McKell Cup (2000m) and Stayer’s Cup (2400m) were considered, the stable opted for the longer break between runs and will instead send Bear On The Loose north.
The stable also saddles up The Three Hundred in the Group 3 Winx Guineas (1600m), and Bott expects a better showing than his last run at Ipswich.
“He missed the start and got too far back. The tight track, he didn’t really appreciate, and from where he was it was always going to be difficult,” Bott explained.
“But the last furlong of his race was pretty good.
“The 1600 will suit. Hopefully he breaks cleanly, puts himself in the race and he will be much more effective.”
Success at the Sunshine Coast would extend an already remarkable season for the Waterhouse and Bott partnership, having recorded their highest tally of stakes wins in a single term.
“If we’re trying to find areas to focus on to improve each season, stakes wins is what we all strive for so I guess that’s a good indicator for us and we’ll try to keep topping it again next year,” Bott added.
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