So Darn Hot

His best form came earlier this year. He won at Newcastle in January, then produced an even more impressive display at Lingfield in late February, winning despite carrying 12 pounds more weight than he had the previous time out. His trainer, Ed Walker, admitted he hadn't expected that one — So Darn Hot had no racing room and no cover in the race, yet still found a way through. That's the kind of grit that matters on a racecourse.

The problem is his form has stalled since. He hasn't won in his last six races, his most recent outing just a day ago finishing third. The current period suggests he may be going through one of those stretches where races aren't quite falling for him, or the handicapper has caught up. Walker is thinking about possibilities — trying him over a mile rather than his usual seven furlongs, and banking on his bloodline (he's by Too Darn Hot) to stay competitive in handicaps through the year. So Darn Hot is clearly a capable horse in the right race, but right now he needs to find the form that made him look so good in the spring.