MR. HOT STUFF Warming Up for Belmont Stakes on Saturday

by Kim Thomas

MR. HOT STUFF, who came in 15th in the Kentucky Derby is on his way to New York to run in the long, long test of endurance for Thoroughbreds, the 1 1/2 mile-long Grade I Belmont Stakes on Saturday. Going by his show in the Derby, I would think his name ought to be MR. LUKEWARM STUFF instead

However, according to his trainer, Eoin Harty, who is in New York and will attend the post position draw tomorrow (Wednesday) morning at Belmont Park’s Garden Terrace, MR. HOT STUFF's six-furlong run on the Keeneland polytrack this morning proved he has the speed and ability to be a contender.

"He worked very well this morning,” said Harty, as the Tiznow colt recorded the fastest of 12 works at the distance. We didn’t want to do too much with him, but we wanted to do enough for him to get something out of it. He galloped out [six furlongs in 1:14]. He’s been training beautifully.”

Hall of Fame jockey Edgar Prado will be aboard. Prado won the Belmont Stakes with SARAVA (2002), at 70-1 the longest win payoff in Belmont Stakes history.

MR. HOT STUFF has an impressive pedigree, and his owners surely look to his ancestry to show itself anyday now. He is a full-brother to COLONEL JOHN (winner of Santa Anita Derby and the Travers Stakes, both Grade I races) his mare is SWEET DAMSEL and sire is TIZNOW (2000 Horse of the Year).

(above photo of the 2008 Kentucky Derby courtesy of Tom Eisenhauer)

Even with Edgar Prado aboard, MR. HOT STUFF is another horse that will have to overcome a lot of obstacles to win this race. Namely, the obstacle called MINE THAT BIRD.

pray for peace, y'all,

Kimmy