It has been a few years since Pat Farrell brought a good two-year-old to town but the respected Muswellbrook horseman thinks Super Hot has what it takes to make his mark in the De Bortoli Wines Handicap at Rosehill.
Super Hot has drawn barrier 13 in the field of 14 for Saturday's 1100 metre contest but the trainer, who saddled up 1981 Golden Slipper runner-up Food For Love, described his gelding as “above average” and expected him to relish a step up in distance.
Super Hot wobbled out of the gates and looked raw on debut in the Max Lees Classic (900m) at Newcastle a fortnight ago, but the way he picked up late to run a close fifth behind Godolphin filly Sliders suggested the gelding had a bright future.
“It was a good run but he would have been right in the finish had he got away better,” Farrell said.
“While I don't like to overwork two-year-olds, he's had plenty going into this race and the extra trip will suit.”
Farrell, who has been training for 57 years, said Super Hot had recovered well from his first outing and if everything went to plan the horse would be aimed at the $200,000 Wellington Boot in April, a race Farrell has won three times.
“We'll play it by ear but if he runs well we might head to the Wellington Boot and if he wins that there's a chance the horse might be sold to Hong Kong,” Farrell said.
Super Hot, raced by Kempsey breeder David Parker, is by Widden-based sire Outreach who is a full brother to Golden Slipper winner Overreach.
His dam Hot'n'Dreamin is a full sister to star mare Hot Danish and stakes winner Manaya.
It will be a big weekend for Farrell and Parker, who also have recent dual country placegetter Sparky Girl and debutant Sparky's Sister heading to Newcastle on Sunday.
Both fillies are out of Choisir mare Hot Zephyr, who is a half-sister to Super Hot.
Parker and Farrell enjoyed success last season with Super Hot's full brother Pee Dee who was a dual winner at Scone.
Golden Eagle-winning hoop Koby Jennings is engaged to ride Super Hot who was at $14 with TAB fixed odds on Friday.