Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Lightly-raced six-year-old Caliente, a half-brother to evergreen veteran pacer Cordero, excels in standing-start events, and it was his ability to win the start that paved the way for his easy win in the $21,000 Tinnie Lynney Handicap over 2503m at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Caliente, trained by Chris Voak and driven by Chris Lewis, was the $3.50 second favourite from barrier two on the front line. He was beaten for early speed by $12 chance Cheddar Is Better, but aggressive driving by Lewis enabled Caliente to withstand the challenge and to assume the role of pacemaker.
Lewis set a solid pace with Caliente, who made life tough for the opposition by dashing over the third 400m section of the final mile in 27.7sec. and forcing his main rivals Soho Santori ($5.50), Brickies Dream ($3.40 favourite) and Coney Island Lou ($5) to work hard.
Caliente needed to run the final 400m in only 29.3sec. to win by two lengths from Brickies Dream, who dashed forward from the rear after a lap to work in the breeze. Coney Island Lou came from tenth in the middle stages to be fourth, out three wide, at the bell. However, his habit of hanging did not help his prospects, and he battled on gamely to finish third.
Caliente has contested 13 stands for five wins and seven placings. He has earned $60,774 from seven wins and ten placings from 23 starts.
He is by American Ideal and is the fifth foal out of former star mare Innocent Eyes, who had 62 starts for 18 wins, 17 placings and $421,875.