Santa Anita training leader Doug O'Neill was more than pleased with Hot Rod Charlie's 3-year-old debut in Saturday's Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes at the Arcadia, Calif., track, in which he ran a game third to Medina Spirit, beaten a neck and a nose for all the money.
“Hot Rod Charlie came out of the race in great shape,” O'Neill said. “We're so proud of him. He got a 91 Beyer in his return and ran a real game race against other really top 3-year-olds.
“I haven't really decided where we'll go next, but we're excited to get him back and kind of bridge the gap from where he left off in the Breeders' Cup (Juvenile, when second at 94-1 to Eclipse Award champion 2-year-old male of 2020 Essential Quality).”
Meanwhile, 14-length maiden winner The Great One is set for the G2 San Felipe Stakes on March 6. “He's doing super,” O'Neill said.
O'Neill also has Brilliant Cut ticketed for Saturday's G3 Las Virgenes Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at one mile. The daughter of Speightstown will be making her first start beyond seven furlongs.
“She's doing well and acts like two turns won't be a problem, but you never know until you try,” O'Neill said.
“She's in good form right now.”
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