Fine Form
So Darn Hot LI – 3.00
seems to have found his niche on the all-weather and he can improve on his already decent statistics with victory in the BetMGM AWC 3 Year Old Trial Handicap at Lingfield.
Trained by Kevin Philippart de Foy, So Darn Hot showed little on his juvenile debut and was subsequently gelded and underwent wind surgery, with both interventions seemingly having the desired impact.
After a couple of placed efforts, including one on the Kempton all-weather, So Darn Hot got off the mark on easy ground at Doncaster on the final day of the turf season, taking him into a winter campaign in fine form.
Dropped to five furlongs at Newcastle later that month, he had no excuses when edged into second by a neck but back up to six furlongs next time, he comprehensively reversed the form with winner Yes I’m Mali, coming home just shy of two lengths clear despite a tardy start and troubled passage.
Kept to the longer distance, So Darn Hot can defy a 5lb rise and advertise his Finals Day claims in style.
Prince Of Pillo LI – 3.35
returned from a lengthy lay off with victory at this track at the start of February and a follow up is in the offing in the BetUK AWC Sprint Trial Handicap.
A Listed winner and Group Three-placed when trained by Keith Dalgleish as a juvenile, he started what transpired to be a disappointing three-year-old campaign from a mark of 104.
That had dropped to 92 by the end of that year, with Prince Of Pillo switched to the care of Richard Fahey for his last two runs and making only one start in 2024.
Off for 292 days before his recent win, the Prince Of Lir gelding showed no ill effects as he ran out a ready two-length winner off a mark of 86 and given his previous highs, a 6lb rise should be within his compass.
Moon Over Miami LI – 4.10
should be given another chance at two miles in the BetUK AWC Marathon Trial Handicap.
A dual winner as a three-year-old at up to an extended 11 furlongs, that trip looked a bit short as he raced keenly and then did not have the necessary turn of foot at the finish.
He looked a more promising prospect upped to a staying trip, although his early position at the back of the field left him at a distinct disadvantage when the race began in earnest.
Moon Over Miami was putting in all his best work at the finish to be beaten a length and three-quarters in fourth and can go well again.
Dragon Icon LI – 4.45
could be rated an unlucky loser when last seen and compensation awaits in the BetUK AWC Middle Distance Trial Handicap.
A slow early pace did not work in his favour and he had to wait for a run, before eventually taking third, with a 1lb drop another positive factor.
Horaces Pearl NB – 3.58
is the choice in the Watch Weekend Winners Powered By BetVictor “National Hunt’’ Novices’ Hurdle.
Winner of a Grade Two bumper at Aintree last season, Horaces Pearl made a winning start over obtacles at Huntingdon in November, winning with ease over two miles.
He moves up to two and a half miles here, a move which looks sure to suit.
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