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Thursday, July 11, 2013

MR - MAKE IT HOT & “DOC “STEIN WIN THE BILLINGS TROT AGAIN AT MONTICELLO




 Harvey “Doc” Stein made it two in a row in Billings trots at Monticello Raceway when he guided his veteran stallion Make It Hot to a 2:02.4 victory over seven others on Wednesday afternoon, July 10.
The last time Make It Hot was on the racetrack  was on June 19  also at the Mighty M and he was victorious in Billings competition that afternoon. That mile was trotted in 2:04.1and it was the last race for the old campaigner before he  was taken to “Doc” Stein’s farm in Moreau, NY to breed one of the veterinarian’s   mares.

Asked in the winner’s circle if that R & R gave the 12 year old son of Self Possessed –Melt My Heart a bit more zip and if so, was he to get a similar reward again after this victory?

“No” Stein said laughing. “The hot weather today was just to his liking.” 

And about the similar reward, “Doc”?  “He bred five mares this year but the breeding season is over now.”

Sent off at odds of over 10-1 Make It Hot made it look easy today after Stein sent him to the lead from the five hole  and  they got away with early pedestrian fractions of :31 and 1:02.3.

As they passed the halfway point some two lengths ahead of Mandinga, with Gerry “the Catkill Cat” Fielding  aboard, “ Doc” asked  the former Old Oaken Bucket winner for more trot and Make It Hot poured on a :29:3 third panel  to open up daylight on the field. From there they cruised home a three length winner over Mandinga. Drill Sergeant Sam finished third for Peter “the Past President” Gerry.

Make It Hot won for the 27th time in his career and upped his lifetime earnings to over $283,000.  

Owned  by the Stein Racing Stable he paid $23.40,$8.90, and $6.60 across the board.

“He’s a funny horse,” Stein said in the paddock after the race. “When I have top professionals drive him  he just doesn’t perform well for them. I know this may sound strange  but he performs for me better than he does for them. Maybe because I know the old guy so well?”

Or maybe, Doc, it’s because you reward him much better?