Jessica Harrington is optimistic as her colt, Hotazhell, gears up for the William Hill Futurity Trophy at Doncaster, following an impressive season with three wins in five juvenile races, including the Beresford Stakes.
Jessica Harrington is excited about her colt, Hotazhell, as he gets ready to compete in the William Hill Futurity Trophy at Doncaster this Saturday. The offspring of Too Darn Hot has proven his ability by winning three out of his five races as a juvenile, most recently achieving Group Two success in the Beresford Stakes at the Curragh.
Having shown stamina over a mile and with soft ground expected, Harrington is optimistic that Hotazhell can finish his year with a Group One victory at Town Moor. 'Everything is looking good; he recovered well from his last race, he's had ample time, and we're pleased with him,' she told Sky Sports Racing.
Reflecting on Hotazhell's performance in the Beresford Stakes, Harrington expressed her satisfaction, saying, 'I was delighted with him. He was bothered a bit by the O'Brien horses, but remained unfazed even when bumped coming down the hill. As he turned into the straight, it briefly seemed like he was slow to accelerate, but once he did, he finished very strongly.'
Harrington observed Hotazhell's development over the season, stating, 'He was unfortunate not to win the first time; he got stuck on the rail at Leopardstown and couldn't break free. However, in some respects, it was beneficial as it taught him to relax, and he's been mentally solid ever since.'
To keep him calm, Hotazhell wears a red hood in the parade ring and on his way to the start. Harrington explained, 'I think he'd probably be fine without it now, but it's a big day on Saturday at Doncaster, and there'll be quite a buzz, so I think we'll keep it on him.'
Describing the track, she added, "It's a big, wide, galloping track. He's won at the Curragh, and I think he'll be fine. I believe the ground will be ideal for him since it's going to be soft." Looking ahead, Harrington mentioned, "I think he probably will stay a mile and a quarter at three, but we'll start him off over a mile. He's got an entry in the English and the Irish Guineas, and it will just depend on how he is in the spring."
