Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
WA-bred pacer Caliente has developed into an outstanding performer in standing-start events under the care of Pinjarra trainer Chris Voak.
The six-year-old, the $2.10 favourite, gave his supporters no cause for concern as he bowled along in front and won by just over a half-length from $20 chance Mister Montblanc in the 2503m standing-start Retravision Buy Now Pay Later Handicap at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Caliente, rated perfectly by Chris Lewis, dashed over the final three 400m sections in 28.7sec., 27.9sec. and 28.9sec. He defied a spirited final-lap challenge from the $4.40 second fancy Brickies Dream, and then held out $20 chance Mister Montblanc, who surged forward from the 10m mark in the first lap to move to the breeze before gaining the one-out, one-back trail.
Soho Santorini ($13) caught the eye with a fast-finishing four-wide burst after he had enjoyed a soft passage, three back on the pegs.
Caliente has been lightly raced, and he now has had 25 starts for eight wins, ten placings and $73,327. His 14 starts in stands have produced five wins, four seconds, three thirds and two sixth placings.
He is by American Ideal and is the fourth foal out of former star mare Innocent Eyes, who amassed $421,875 from 18 wins and 17 placings from 62 starts, with her best performance being her victory over Emmas Only in the Group 1 Chariots Of Fire at Harold Park in January 2006.