Always Hot burns off his rivals

Exciting colt Always Hot (Always B Miki) stamped his credentials with when he outclassed his rivals in the $30,000 Caduceus 3-Y-O classic at Melton last night. Harness racing may well have seen possibly the best three year old currently racing following this performance.

Not rushed by driver Greg Sugars Always Hot raced up alongside the early leader Forty Love who had taken up the running from Soho The Real Deal.

Even racing a bit greenly in the straight for the bell it was always felt that Always Hot was going to be the one to beat. Putting the pressure on straightening Always Hot stormed to the lead but even after the hard run, he was eased up on the line.

In winning Always Hot smashed the track record for the colts and geldings previously set by Pacifico Dream. His mile rate was a breathtaking 1.50.9 with final quarters of 27.6 and 27.3 seconds.

Forty Love was gallant in holding on for second after setting such a whirlwind pace with Soho the Real Deal a further ten metres away third.

One has to think that Always Hot will be set for the forthcoming classics including the $200,000 New South Wales Pacers Derby in early March.

Driver Greg Sugars was fulsome in his praise of Always Hot.

“This is something to get excited about this fella. The way he did it. I slowed him half way down the home straight. He’s very impressive. I’m staggered at that time. That’s the sign of a really good horse.”

“He covers the ground so well. The way he did it. He drove that race himself which was pleasing. As a two year old he was a bit stop and start and not in tune to the racing caper as such. There are really exciting times ahead. He’d love any track. I’ll go anywhere to drive him.”

Forty Love was far from disgraced finishing second and he will acquit himself in some of the leading three year old events.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink