The 2018 Darley Dewhurst Stakes saw the further development of UK racing’s newest superstar as Too Darn Hot singed Newmarket’s Rowley Mile final 200m to maintain his unbeaten record in showbiz style for his owners, impresario Andrew Lloyd-Webber and his wife Madelaine.

Such was his superiority over some of the best juvenile colts in Europe, big-race rider Frankie Dettori was up in the saddle and celebrating within the last 50m, yet the 2.75-length winning margin over Group 1 Phoenix Stakes winner Advertise tells only half the story.

Just 300m before Dettori’s celebrations, Too Darn Hot was struggling running downhill into the hollow of Newmarket’s famous Dip. But as the ground levelled out he found his feet and then a gear change that left the audience buzzing with pleasure.

He provided both Dettori and winning trainer John Gosden with their first success in the race, and there was no question from either they were dealing with something out of the ordinary.

“He got himself a little bit unbalanced coming down the hill, but once the turbo kicked in I went from being a length behind a furlong out to pulling clear,” said Dettori.

“He’s a great little horse and I love him.”

Gosden, too, spoke of the uncomfortable moment heading into the Dip but was ultimately left singing the praises of the latest superstar performance of a stellar season for the trainer.

“I had misgivings about even running because it’s firm and he wants good ground, but he showed his class up the hill.”

Gosden highlighted speed over stamina as his strongest weapon.

Bookmakers cut Too Darn Hot to 6-4 (from 7-2) for next year’s 2000 Guineas and 3-1 for the 2018 Investec Derby.
It was the second time in four days that the progeny of Dubawi and Dar Re Mi had created theatre in Newmarket, with Too Darn Hot’s yearling brother selling for 3.5 million guineas at Tattersalls on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Too Darn Hot has become a priceless possession after his latest success.

“He seems to have this amazing change of gear that when he’s asked he just seems to go for it – god I wish some of my performers did that!” said owner-breeder Lloyd-Webber.

“He’s one of those extraordinary things. Madeleine never keeps the colts but he had this minor injury so we could not have sold him and no-one knew if he would get remotely near a racecourse.

“I saw him just after he’d been broken and everyone was saying he’s exceptional. I don’t know anything about it but he did look pretty good to me and now look – today’s pretty great.” – www.racingpost.com