KINGSTON, Jamaica – The long, arduous but gratifying Road To The Crown officially starts on Saturday, March 11, 2023, with the staging of the 6-furlong Hot Line Stakes.
This an event confined to three-year-old fillies at the non-winners of two level.
The ten fillies entered are assessed below by The Quick Galloper.
1 – ACKNOWLEDGEME is a bay (March 28) by Key To Power out of Gentle Officer trained by Michael Thomas with Youville Pinnock aboard. A warrior among the three-year-olds with nine starts under her belt. Acknowledgeme earned her first win 13 days ago, and her consistency will give her a good chance of success in the Hot Line. Note, Acknowledgeme races with first-time Lasix.
2 - SPEEDIE HARE is a bay (April 1) by Conquest Cherimash out of Honeymoon Bay trained by Chris Pearson with Shavon Townsend aboard. This filly has a career record of one win from one start over the five straight course. Six furlongs in the Hot Line should not be a hindrance, and with known speed will have to be caught. Note, Speedie Hare races with first-time Lasix.
3 – ALL FOR LOVE is a chestnut (February 1) by Nuclear Wayne out of Princess Sallema trained by Gary Subratie with Dane Dawkins aboard. All For Love is a run-on sort, who will be at her best if the speed in this race comes back. Will do better with the three-year-old fillies race over the longer distances.
4 – DUROCELL is a chestnut (April 17) by Soul Warrior out of Savanna’s Pride trained by Patrick Fong with Bebeto Harvey aboard. Produced an outstanding effort on February 26, when finishing a close second to Roulette Boss going seven and a half furlongs. Durocell will fit nicely at six furlongs giving her the perfect opportunity for success.
5 – ROYAL ASH is a roan (February 24) by Fearless Vision out of Greek Goddess trained by Anthony Nunes with Tevin Foster. Royal Ash last faced the starter on October 29, 2022. Reports indicate that Royal Ash is progressing well at exercise in the mornings, with many saying she is the class of the field in the Hot Line. The only consideration is whether she will need the run to be at her best.
6 – BAZINGA is a bay (April 15) by Successful Native out of Queen of Bagdad trained by Philip Feanny with Reyan Lewis in the saddle. This filly is progressing steadily and has looked good at exercise. Her only victory from four starts was achieved at this distance. Bazinga seems to be improving at the right time, thereby giving her every chance of success in this one. Note, Bazinga races with first-time Lasix.
7 – BOASEY is a bay (May 17) by Casual Trick out of The Golden One trained by Jason DaCosta with Omar Walker in the saddle. Boasey only victory was achieved over seven furlongs. She has the ability to stay close to the pace before striking. She is given an outsider’s chance of winning this one.
8 – VOLATILITY is a bay (March 10) by Hedge Fund out of Fashionista trained by Anthony Nunes with Linton Steadman in the saddle. Volatility was scratched at the gates when nominated to race on February 4, with the official reason given as lame. Will have to step up significantly to win this one.
9 – BELLA BELLA is a chestnut (March 23) by Bal A Bal out of Bee R Bee trained by Dale Murphy with Chris Mamdeen in the saddle. Bella Bella can be the spoiler in this year’s Hot Line. Reports indicate that since winning the Eight Thirty Sprint on February 4 ( five furlongs straight) Bella Bella has come on nicely in preparation for the Hot Line. Will have a say in the outcome.
10 – SHE’S MYHEDGEFUND is a chestnut (March 3) by Hedge Fund out of Thisgirlisonfire trained by Jason DaCosta with Roger Hewitt aboard. Not seen as a creditable contender.
