So Darn Hot 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 on Friday.
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 1000m at Newcastle later that month, he had no excuses when edged into second by a neck but back up to 1200m 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 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 2-length winner off a mark of 86 and given his previous highs, a 6lb rise should be within his compass.
Moon Over Miami should be given another chance at 3200m in the BetUK AWC Marathon Trial Handicap.
A dual winner as a three-year-old at up to an extended 2200m, 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 1.75-lengths in fourth and can go well again.
Dragon Icon 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 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 obstacles at Huntingdon in November, winning with ease over 3200m.
He moves up to 4000m here, a move which looks sure to suit. - Press Association
TAB is betting on 4 UK meetings on Friday. Here are the tips.
LINGFIELD: Race 1: 15.55 Solanna, Race 2: 16.25 Rosa Applause, Race 3: 17.00 SO DARN HOT (NAP), Race 4: 17.35 Prince Of Pillo, Race 5: 18.10 Moon Over Miami, Race 6: 18.45 Dragon Icon, Race 7: 19.20 Sterling Knight.
NEWBURY: Race 1: 16.13 Bobby Socks, Race 2: 16.48 Give It To Me OJ, Race 3: 17.23 Bashers Reflection, Race 4: 17.58 Horaces Pearl, Race 5: 18.33 Rath Gaul Hill, Race 6: 19.05 Magical King.
FFOS LAS: Race 1: 16.35 Fat Faced Columbo, Race 2: 17.10 Nedzor, Race 3: 17.45 Dreams Of Diamonds, Race 4: 18.20 Walkinthewoods, Race 5: 18.55 Twp Stori, Race 6: 19.25 Whiskey Yankee
SOUTHWELL: Race 1: 18.40 Beale Street, Race 2: 19.15 City Of God, Race 3: 19.45 Western Ruler, Race 4: 20.15 Chola Empire, Race 5: 20.45 King Of Ithaca, Race 6: 21.15 Sax Appeal, Race 7: 21.45 Luxmundi, Race 8: 22.15 Hype Merchant.
ALL TO COME: So Darn Hot and Moon Over Miami (Lingfield, Races 3 and 5).