Darley shuttler Too Darn Hot (GB) has sired a lot of good horses and his four year-old son Hotazhell is one of the best and not averse to producing a headline, which he did again overnight when landing his third G1 victory in the Irish Champion Stakes (1m2f) at Leopardstown as a rank outsider.
Despite being a last start Group I winner in Germany for the Jessica Harrington stable, Hotazhell was sent off at 50-1 in this assignment and was not expected to trouble the favourites Constitution River, Item and Almaqam.
But Hotazhell is a horse never to be underestimated and he loves a dogfight.
He won his second G1 in Germany by a nose this year and his first came as a 2YO when beating Delacroix in Group I Doncaster Futurity Stakes (1m) also by a nose. His third has come in a similar tenacious fashion.
Ridden by Shane Foley, Hotazhell surged late to get past Constitution River and then held off a late dive from runner-up Wimbledon Hawkeye to take the win.
“Three times we've met Wimbledon Hawkeye and three times Hotazhell has come out on top. Today was absolutely amazing. I'm still buzzing. This is fantastic,” said an elated Jessica Harrington.
“For him to win two Group 1s this year is even more amazing. You've got to roll the dice and take your chance .”
Hotazhell has the overall record of six wins and four placings from 15 starts with Shane Foley in the saddle for all of them.
Bred by Blue Diamond Stud Farm, Hotazhell was a 70,000 guineas purchase for Linehan Bloodstock at Tattersalls October Yearling Sale before selling to Silverton Hill for 200,000 guineas at the Tattersalls Breeze Up Sale.
He is the best of four winners from eight to race for the Danehill Dancer mare Azenzar, whose unraced dam Dashing is a half-sister to 5-time Group I winner Alexander Goldrun.
Hotazhell is one of eight Group I winners for Too Darn Hot, who is back at Darley NSW this spring at a fee of $275,000.
