Kicking Bear

The recent form tells a encouraging story. Kicking Bear's last two outings show a win followed by a second-place finish, suggesting the horse can perform at a high level consistently. For a 2-year-old still learning the game, that kind of back-to-back competitive effort is exactly what you want to see.

Ed Walker, the trainer, runs a powerhouse yard at Upper Lambourn in Berkshire. His operation has already sent out 76 winners this season, which means Kicking Bear is part of a team that knows how to get horses into the winner's circle. Walker clearly has the touch with this one, and the fact that Kicking Bear won its debut race at a track as demanding as Newmarket — one of the most prestigious racing venues in Britain — suggests there is real quality here. The horse is active right now and in form, making Kicking Bear one to watch closely over the coming months as it matures.