Hot And High kept her unbeaten record intact but not before escaping from a pocket to run down Nicciana (NZ) in the Reliable Asset Maintenance Hcp (1300m) on Saturday.
The Belmont win followed a first-up victory at Ascot a fortnight ago and extended her winning run to five. It also augers well for her next goal in the LR Raconteur Stakes (1400m) on June 6. Photo / Western Racepix
Hot And High (3f Too Darn Hot – High Conviction by Snitzel) is a homebred for Cape Falls Thoroughbreds owner Brett Fogarty and her bank account has now gone through $270,000 including Westspeed bonuses of $82,500.
”That was hard to watch ,” trainer Dion Luciani admitted. “She was in a lovely spot but it was also a tricky spot. She was an odds-on favourite and there wasn’t much room but Holly (Nottle) persisted and got the job done.
“There’s a couple of lengths improvement to come. She was a little bit chubby first-up and came on today. She will appreciate the step up to 1400m going into the Raconteur. She’s a really exciting filly and full credit to her for toughing it out.”
Hot And High is a daughter of Darley sire Too Darn Hot (Dubawi) who also sired Afireofgidgeecoals to win the G2 Karrakatta Plate last month.
She had opened her black-type account with a three length drubbing of the colts in the LR Lee-Steere Classic (1400m) in December. “We were in a difficult position but remained positive,” Nottle said. “We managed to squeeze through the gap and she had the energy to push of the fence and finish it off.”
Fogarty bred her from Belmont winner High Conviction (Snitzel) who has yearling filly by Zousain and was covered by Darley sire Traffic Warden (Street Boss) on September 1. The Cape Falls breeder had purchased her Group 3-winning second-dam Paris Petard (Mujahid) from Oakland Park for $100,000 at the 2011 Perth Magic Millions Autumn Sale.
