Great Hot falls back at two turns in the La Canada Stakes at Santa Anita
After three consecutive starts over the identical distance of seven furlongs, the versatile filly, Great Hot, will return to two turns in the Grade 2, $150,000 La Canada Stakes at Santa Anita Park on 22 January, 2012. Contested over 1 1/16 miles, the 4-year-old filly will face seven opponents on dirt, a race that is restricted for 4-year-old females.
Running over at seven furlongs, Great Hot, cut back in distance last fall after she finished third in the Grade 1 Lady’s Secret to winner Zazu, going at 1 1/16 miles.
Trainer A C Avila decided to test her with shorter distance, and instant success came as Orientate filly landed the Grade 2 Raven Run Stakes at Keeneland on 22 October, 2011.
Jessica Coudelaria’s Great Hot defeated the likes of Groupie Doll in second and Mizdirection in third, while covering the distance in 1 minute and 21.70 seconds.
Cut back in distance was a mere strategy to familiarise Great Hot to shorter distances right before the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint at Churchill Downs, which turned out to be a massive disappointment as Great Hot finished a dismal 11th on the day, going over at seven furlongs.
Her connections tried to justify the loss, and entered her in the Grade 1 La Brea Stakes, another seven furlong sprint, where Great Hot finished third to winner Teddy’s Promise, who covered the distance in 1 minute and 20.47 seconds at Santa Anita on 31 December, 2011.
Avila, who trainers the dark brown filly, said: “Distance is no problem she’s run at a mile three times and was third in the grade I Lady’s Secret at a mile and a sixteenth. She’s versatile. She can go (on the pace), she can sit, she can do whatever she wants.”
Jockey Chantal Sutherland will be aboard Great Hot in the La Canada Stakes.
Sutherland has ridden Great Hot for seven consecutive starts out of eight here in the United States last year after being transferred from Brazil, and the pair will break from post 4 for the Santa Anita feature.
Great Hot will have her work cut out, especially after getting stretched out in distance once again.
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