Always Hot burns off his rivals in NSW Derby

Unbeaten colt Always Hot (Always Be Miki) stamped his credentials with an effortless all the way harness racing win in the $200,000 Group 1 Slingsby Holdings New South Wales Derby at Menangle Park last night.

Despite starting from the second row, Always Hot was in a bit of lather early but after the start driver Greg Sugars angled his way to the front and it was obvious that he would be the one to beat once in the lead.

ALWAYS HOT MAR 8 REPLAY NSW DERBY

In addition to Always Hot, trainer Emma Stewart had five other runners in the time honoured classic. Stablemate The Highland Reel was able to secure the sit behind the leader. Grant Dixon who was one out on Fate Awaits made a lightning move going into the back straight and that livened up the tempo of the event.

Always Hot shook off Fate Awaits on the final bend but The Highland Reel who was stalking behind appeared to be a fleeting danger. But Always Hot found another gear and he simply sprinted clear to defeat Path To Greatness by over eight metres with The Highland Reel holding on for third.

An elated Greg Sugars praised Always Hot.

“He’s been special from Day 1. Clayton and Emma had a massive opinion of him. I didn’t drive him in his first race but I was in awe of the way he went and he’s just continued to improve.”

“He wasn’t switched on as a racehorse as a two year old but he’s developed as a three year old. Tonight he was most lively in the warm up. It’s the first time I’ve seen him grab the bit and get a bit angry in the warm up.”

“He was professional and as you saw I got away with murder with the pace and when the challenges came he just rose to the task.”

“He’s extremely impressive. Fingers crossed that I get to partner him.”

Sugars added that in his opinion that Always Hot wouldn’t be out of place in the $2 million Eureka at Menangle in early September.

The win gave trainer Emma Stewart her 137^th Group One success a truly remarkable training performance. Owner Peter Gleeson has a strong association with the Stewart stable.

Path to Greatness lost no friends in finishing well for second without ever looking likely to trouble the winner. Fate Awaits wasn’t disgraced but in the context of the event there was nothing that could have ever troubled Always Hot.

Now unbeaten in eight starts Always Hot is bound to start warm favourite in the other forthcoming three year old classics and if he stays sound he’s likely to sweep all before him.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink