News

Hot Danish overcomes adversity in The Shorts

4th Oct 2010

Racenet - Clinton Payne - Saturday, 2 October 2010

Sydney’s most popular galloper Hot Danish called on all of her reserves not to disappoint her 21,274 adoring fans assembled at Randwick to score a determined win in the Group II The Shorts (1200m) on Saturday.

Hot Danish’s trainer Les Bridge said he was concerned pre-race when the rain arrived at Randwick forcing a downgrade of the track.

“I had to keep a brave face on, but I was worried,” Bridge said. “That’s about as soft as she want’s it.”

At no point during the race did Hot Danish appear happy.

She was beaten for speed early and travelled out three wide, before being pushed along 600 metres from home.

In the straight, it wasn’t the explosive turn of foot we’re so used to, rather a grinding burst, but just when it appeared she’d be beaten inside the final 100 metres, she stuck her neck out and recorded a narrow win.

“She’s just amazing,” Bridge said. “She’s a winner and that’s why everyone loves her.

“Second-up on a track that she doesn’t like and she still does that, I can’t wait until we get to Melbourne.”

Bridge said he’d wait until next week before deciding if Hot Danish’s Melbourne target is the Group I Myer Classic over 1600 metres for the fillies and mares or the Group I Patinack Farm Classic at weight-for-age down the straight six.

“I’m seriously thinking about the mile,” Bridge said. “Up the straight six is a tough race too.

“We’ll make up our mind in the next couple of days.”

The five-year-old gelding Whitefriars finished second, with the Chris Waller-trained Shellscrape in third.