“Lucky To Be Alive” Bear Chasing A Goldmine

VICTORIAN Bailey Bear, not well boxed in the five for Tuesday night's Gosford Goldmine Final (515m) but going into the race as the fastest heat winner, is lucky to be even in the race.

The son of Fernando Bale-Nova Heart was sent north by owner John Galea to his mate Sam Sultana to train and in two NSW runs, Bailey Bear has won both.

He ran 29.74 winning on debut at Wentworth Park on July 8.

FIELDS AND FORM GOSFORD TUESDAY

“The dog is lucky to be alive,” said Sam.

“John told me a virus went through his kennels in October last year and it hit him particularly bad.

“He got very sick.

“But, fortunately he recovered and has not looked back since.”

Bailey Bear has started 19 times for seven wins and four placings for $24,000.

The virus put him out of racing for four months.

Bailey Bear, the ex-Victorian has won the Vale Ken Cheetham 5th Grade tonight for Sam Sultana in 29.74!

Full Results: https://t.co/58Hk7vsOBP#thedogs @wentyparkgreys @ladbrokescomau @WatchDogRacing pic.twitter.com/rkofY4rB9D

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) July 8, 2023

The 29.31 fastest Goldmine heat win was no surprise at all for Sultana.

“He trialled really good at the track and when he came up with the one that suited,” said Sam.

“He is a mad railer.”

Which does not augur well for the finale as Bailey Bear has drawn the five.

“But, he's been a bit lucky because there is not a lot of pace drawn inside him,” said Sam.

“The one has speed, but most of the pace is drawn out wide.

“Dennis Barnes' bitch will be much improved, and the eight was a huge run to win its heat.”

Dennis Barnes' bitch is recent G1 Peter Mosman Opal winner Nangar Lucy, and the eight is Joe McFadyen's Nangar Luna.

“If he can ping out and hold out those on his outside, he's in with a good chance,” said Sam of Bailey Bear.

Sultana will head back to Wentworth Park with the dog but is also looking to step him up to 600m.

“He was coming away on the line last week so 600 metres will not worry him,” he said.

“But, he's got another couple of wins in him at Wenty yet.”