I returned from a fabulous SECAC conference in Charleston yesterday, deciding to skip the trip to Keeneland since my favorite horse, Southwestern Heat, was scheduled to run at Charles Town last night. That trip involved only a relatively slight detour. Unfortunately, he was a scratch there, as the track was muddy, and (as I later found out) he was cross-entered in the $50,000 Sonny Hines Stakes at Laurel Park today (Saturday). My bitter disappointment at not seeing my chestnut speedball was lifted, however, when he performed exceedingly well today, with a totally-dominating victory in the six-furlong Sonny Hines. You can watch the replay at Calracing.com; he blazed through fractions of 21.82, 44.63, and 57.09, before tiring to finish in 1:11.36, but still four lengths ahead of his nearest competitor. What’s really astounding is that he paid $20.20 for the win! Guess everyone was thinking (as I have lately) that he has brilliant speed from the gate, but can’t quite get six furlongs against stakes company. But, win he did! After the race, jockey Eric Camacho reveled in the victory:
“He was awesome today. He was ready. He’s never been as good as he was today. We’ve been waiting for this day for a long time. We’ve been running him in tough stakes and he’s been hitting the board every time but coming up short. I’m glad we could get it done today. He’s matured into an older, better horse. He’s going to get better as he gets older. I love this horse.”
Me too!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
I was there, and Southwestern Heat looked tremendous! He is incredibly muscular and he looked very strong throughout the race. This time he didn't look as though he was tiring in the stretch; it seemed simply that Camacho didn't need to urge him because he was so far in front. He also didn't have the drifting-out problem he had in previous races. I'm looking forward to lots more from Southwestern Heat.
Yah! I am so glad to hear that!! From the replay, it looked like just for a second he was going to drift out, but Camacho checked him and he just kept on going to the wire. Thanks, Anon!
I had no idea there were other Southwestern Heat fans out there. I only know of myself and another...we are in the Legion of Merit Xtra Heat fans. So, glomming onto Lil' Heat was no stretch for us at all.
Here's what I've notice from watching on TV: he breaks just like Mama, corners just like Mama, and--here's the best--he hunkers down and streamlines himself like a missle...yes, just like Mama Heat.
I heard a rumor that he's skipping the upcoming Laurel Sprintfest, but I'm not sure. Do you have any news?
Post a Comment