Bear On The Loose growls with a gutsy win at his Australian debut

Champion jockey Nash Rawiller gave his endorsement of former English galloper Bear On The Loose after his Australian debut win at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

Bear On The Loose led most of the way and held off another import Don Diego De Vega to win the Petaluma Handicap (1800m).

“I thought it was a good effort by Bear On The Loose,” Rawiller said.

“To take up the running first-up over 1800m I thought might have meant he was a bit vulnerable late but he dug deep last 50m.”

WATCH OUT! There’s a BEAR ON THE LOOSE! ????

The imported galloper makes an immediate impact in Australia, winning the 10th at Rosehill for @MyRacehorse & @GaiWaterhouse1 with @nashhot in the saddle.

Goes $26 into $21 for the Caulfield Cup. pic.twitter.com/gN3dSIe0lK

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 29, 2024

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Bear On The Loose, confidently backed into $3 favouritism, held off the late charge of Don Diego De Vega to win by three-quarters of a length with Blackcomb ($51) nearly two lengths away third.

Bear On The Loose won three of his five starts in England including at famous Epsom Downs before joining the Waterhouse and Bott stable earlier this season.

The rising five-year-old went to Rosehill off two recent barrier trials and his winning debut suggests he is a horse to follow.

“I’m sure he will get out over further but there is no rush,” Rawiller said.

“They will do the normal Gai and Adrian thing, take their time and gradually step him up in trip. I think there will be a nice race for him next season.”

Australian Bloodstock’s Luke Murrell and Jamie Lovett look to have found another promising imported galloper with Don Diego De Vega also catching the eye at his first Australian start.

Don Diego De Vega won two of his five starts in France and was stakes placed before joining the Annabel Neasham stable and also looks to have a bright future in Sydney racing.