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?
