Thunderbear strikes for Davison and Ryan in Listed sprint Thunderbear went one better than last year when landing the Listed RFL Steels Stakes at Naas this afternoon. The Jack Davison-trained gelding was recording a fifth career win and was given a typically patient ride by James Ryan. The easy to back 15/2 chance quickened up nicely in the centre of the track to lead about 100 yards out for a length and three-quarters victory over Tango Flare. Greatest Drama was a further neck back in third. Davison said, “He hit the line strong and was an impressive winner. They are his conditions — six furlongs, some juice in the ground and a strongly-run race. “It was a lovely ride as well and James was patient. It’s lovely as he’s a homebred and owned by Will Armitage and my parents. “He’s a real character of a horse and a favourite in the yard. He pops up every year and owes us nothing. He seems best kept fresh for the autumn. “We went to Doncaster at the backend of last season and may go there again as Will is based over there.”
