Is Always Hot the next Superstar?

Harness racing fans who happened to be at Menangle Park last night were all asking that question when Always Hot (Always B Miki) toyed with his rivals to score a decisive win in the $50,000 Group 3 Simpson Memorial for three year olds.

Always Hot had created a huge impression winning his first four starts as a two year old.

Resuming at Melton over a week ago he destroyed his rivals in the Casey Classic and last night was his first foray interstate.

Driver Greg Sugars was prepared to forego drives at the Cranbourne meeting such is his opinion of Always Hot. Despite drawing a good field, Always Hot was a long odds on favourite. The colt was inconvenienced at the start and Sugars gave him time to settle before moving around the field three wide.

ALWAYS HOT 8 FEB REPLAY

Riverina colt Business in Heaven showed early speed to take up the running but then surrendered the lead to Always Hot at the 800 metre mark. Although he had been forced to do some work Always Hot extended his lead on straightening and at the end he had 11 metres to spare over Mac Bon with rank outsider Dance with Carmer in third place.

Hesitate who was having his first start for Luke McCarthy showed gate speed but then broke and settled at the rear before making up ground to beat four runners home.

Trainer Emma Stewart has made no secret of her high opinion of Always Hot and he will be set for the forthcoming three year old classics. By winning the Simpson Memorial Always Hot will be automatically selected for the final of the New South Wales Derby on 8 March. Raced by his breeder Peter Gleeson Always Hot looks to be the testing material for the Derby as well as other classic races. At this stage there is no telling of just how far he will go but on the strength of his recent performances Always Hot is set to match previous young star performers from the Stewart stable.

Earlier in the evening Stewart and Sugars combined to take out The Cobbity Farms pace with The Narcissist (Always B Miki) who blitzed his rivals in 1.49.8.

The five year old was only having his twelth appearance and looks to have a bright future.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink