HOT CHESNUT was involved in a desperate finish at Nottingham yesterday and after looking as though she was going to win outright, was joined on the line by favourite, Rogue Bear who forced a dead heat.
Bred by Michael Yarrow, the 3yo half-sister to seven-times winner, Fighting Temeraire, was stepping up in trip to a mile and half a furlong and although she had good form over 6f, she clearly enjoyed the increase in distance.
Held up by David Probert, who was riding her for the first time, Hot Chesnut (pictured on the gallops last Saturday) took a keen hold, was held up in midfield and made progress on the outside two furlongs from home. She took it up a furlong from home but was denied a clear cut victory as Rogue Bear, who hung left, came with a late run to join the stable runner on the line.
While a little frustrating not to win outright, it was good to see the chesnut filly, who has always had ability, get her head in front. Bred by Michael Yarrow, she runs in the colours of Heather and Michael Yarrow, so congratulations to them on the daughter of Camacho’s first success. It was just three-quarters of a length back to the third, so the handicapper shouldn’t put her up much and there looks more to come from Hot Chesnut, who is also a half-sister to the stable’s once-raced juvenile, Thomas Equinas.
Michael was denied a Nottingham double when Stake Acclaim came second in a five furlong handicap. This was a welcome return to form for the 9yo sprinter, who was runner-up for the fifth time this year.
Harper Lodge Farm hasn’t had the ammunition this season of previous years which has meant winners have been difficult to come by but the yard seems to be running into form and hopefully more winners will follow as there will be quite a few plying their trade on the all-weather over the winter.