by Tom Kelley, publicity director, Maywood Park

Melrose Park, IL — Looking like a shopper searching for a deal on “Black Friday,” He’s So Hot scampered around the half-mile oval at Maywood Park as though he was on a mission Friday night (Nov. 25), completely destroying seven rivals by 8-3/4 lengths in 1:52.3 to win the $14,200 Cole Muffler Stake.

Maywood Park photo

He’s So Hot was a 1:52.3 winner in the Cole Muffler Stake.

Taking full advantage of their inside starting spot, driver Todd Warren sent the gelded son of Sportsmaster-She’s Redhot right to the front where he proceeded to roll through splits of :27.3, :55.3 and 1:24.1.

Despite feeling pressure from Little Pauli (John Roberts), who was parked alongside him the entire way, the Roger Welch trained He’s So Hot put that one away heading into the final turn.

Easily staving off a bid from a pocket sitting Gotta Let It Go (John De Long) with a wicked :28.2 final quarter, He’s So Hot was on cruise control as he notched his eighth win in 17 starts this season. Gotta Let It Go held on for second while TJ’s Rocky (Sam Widger) rallied for the show dough, 10-1/4 lengths behind the standout winner.

Coming off a very respectable fourth place finish despite a tough trip in the Windy City Pace, He’s So Hot was backed to the near exclusion of his opponents as he returned just $2.20, $2.10 and $2.10 while running his career earnings up to $249,700 for the partnership of William C. De Long, William P. De Long and Ernest J. Miller Jr.