In a renewal weakened by the withdrawal of Sole Power due to the
ever-worsening conditions, Hot Streak took full advantage to upstage his elders
and inject new vitality into the European sprinting scene. Relishing easy ground
when taking York’s Roses Stakes over this five-furlong trip last August, the
chestnut was fifth over six in Kempton’s Sirenia Stakes early the following
month before filling third spot in the Mill Reef also over that trip at Newbury
a fortnight later.
Dropped back to five on good-to-soft in the Cornwallis at Ascot in October,
he led his rivals a merry dance there before finishing second in the Middle Park
at Newmarket a week later. Returning there to be third in the Palace House on
his seasonal bow May 3, he tanked his way to the front here after two furlongs
and after kicking clear approaching the eighth-pole was able to hold the charge
of fellow Qatar Racing representative Pearl Secret.
For apprentice Oisin Murphy, the result made for a red-letter day and the
burgeoning star said, “(Trainer) Kevin (Ryan) didn’t tie me down to
instructions, but I’d hoped to make the running as I couldn’t see myself getting
across from my draw to get cover. He traveled like a superstar and he’s won
easily. He’s very high-class and probably one of the best sprinters now.
“I gave him two flicks, so he hasn’t had a race — it was like a strong piece
of work. He was a steering job and I’m just very grateful for the opportunity.”
His trainer has always made it known that he holds him in the highest regard
and is looking to Royal Ascot to confirm his belief now.
“We’ve always thought the world of him and we know there’s more improvement
from him, so it’s all about Royal Ascot now,” Ryan said. “He was a little bit
quiet at Newmarket, but was more himself in the preliminaries today and had a
bit of a play about.
“He’s an awesome horse and without doubt the best I’ve trained. I thought it
last year and he’s grown and strengthened. He has a fantastic temperament and
has everything you’d want in a good horse.
“It’s going to take a fair horse to lower his colors now and he’s not
ground-dependent, he’s just one of those real good horses that can cope with
everything.”
Pearl Secret’s trainer David Barron told PA Sport, “It was a great run, he
obviously handled that ground well and we’re delighted to get him back on track.
It was a shame he couldn’t race with the winner. We were trying to get through a
gap on the far side and the winner was gone, but he finished well and we’re
happy. I would imagine that (Royal Ascot) will be the plan, but we’ll speak to
the owners and see what they want to do.”
Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com