Major Hot wins Oamaru Juvenile Stakes

Prior to today’s Diamond Creek Farm Oamaru Juvenile Stakes, harness racing two year old Major Hot (Art Major) had already strung five minor placings together in seven starts. And today, thanks to a positive drive by Blair Orange he got a well deserved win.

MAJOR HOT REPLAY

Orange took Major Hot straight to the top from barrier one and despite being pestered by favourite Double Jeopardy, (Captaintreacherous) he held on to beat him by a neck with another length back to debutant Chase A Dream (Captaintreacherous).

Major Hot returning (Bruce Stewart – Photo)

“His work’s been good at home and there have been times over that period that we thought he should have gone better. Today he got his act together and put his best foot forward and produced the goods,” said co-trainer Mark Purdon who trains the gelding with his son Nathan.

The winning time of 2-26.8 was very creditable on the slushy track with Major Hot cutting out his last 800 metres in 55.8.

The track record of 2-25.6 is jointly held by Cantfindabettorman (Sweet Lou) and Watermelon Sugar (Sweet Lou) who was last years winner of the feature.

“By the end of the year I would like to hope that he’ll be in the top half dozen three year olds in his year. He’s a little bit behind Vessem (Vincent) but he should be right up there with the others.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink