JACK Davison tends to make his select raids to Britain count so his campaigning of stable flagbearer Thunderbear in today’s Listed BetUK Hever Sprint Stakes (2.45) at Southwell could be worth paying attention to.

The Co Meath-based trainer struck with three of his seven runners in Britain last year (43% strike rate), including twice with Thunderbear in a Nottingham handicap and the Group 3 Dubai International Airport World Trophy Stakes at Newbury. Backing his overseas runners blind would have put you €26.62 in profit to a €1 stake for the year.

Thunderbear, a Kodi Bear four-year-old owned by William Armitage and the Jwd Partnership, must give weight to all rivals in this competitive all-weather affair, which includes recent Meydan Group 2 fourth Clarendon House and last-time-out listed winner Diligent Harry.

Davison told The Irish Field: “I think this horse loves to travel. It’s a suitable race for him, a decent contest at the start of the year for us to test the water and see where he’s at. Hopefully it’ll start him off on a good note for the rest of the season.

“I’d expect normal improvement from him given it’s his first start of the year, but I do expect him to be competitive. This is a decent pot to have a crack at, which always helps, and his part-owner is from England so it’s nice for him to come racing and see the horse run.”

On what lies ahead for Thunderbear for 2024, Davison added: “I’m training him this season as though we’ll be aiming for good sprint races through the year. If it materialised nicely for him, maybe he could be one later in the season for races like the Sprint Cup at Haydock, or, if he was in the necessary form come the time, possibly the Flying Five at the Curragh.

“He’s done well from three to four. From what I see in his work, he’s improved.”