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Arazan | Black Bear Island | Crowded House | Delegator | Evasive | Fame And Glory | Mastercraftsman | Rainbow View | Rip Van Winkle | Sea The Stars | Serious Attitude | Other British runners | Other Irish runners

Black Bear Island (Sadler´s Wells — Kasora, by Darshaan): A full-brother to High Chaparral, Black Bear Island has made steady progress on his three racecourse appearances. Second on his debut, (Sea The Stars was fourth in the same race) he easily won his maiden at Naas.

Retired for the season, he reappeared at Longchamp in the Group Three Prix La Force over a mile and a quarter. Black Bear Island travelled well throughout the race but Murtagh somehow contrived to get boxed in two and a half furlongs from home, despite the fact there were only six runners. By the time the colt was extricated, the race was a good as over, though to his credit, Black Bear Island finished strongly to close the gap in the closing stages.

Despite an awkward head carriage, I like the way this chap races. He appears an enthusiastic galloper that is still displaying signs of greenness. He will stay a mile and a half and will improve considerably for his seasonal debut.

Sadler's Wells progeny winning distances

5-6f 1,000-1,399m	2%
7-8f 1,400-1,799m	19%
9-10f 1,800-2,199m	25%
11-13f 2,200-2,799m	39%
14+f 2,800+m	15%

(Source: the-racehorse.com stallion statistics database.)