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Cluden Park
Heat No Bother For This Tough Boy

Heat No Bother For This Tough Boy

13th January 2022 | By Tony Wode

Former Victorian galloper Hell Of A Boy has taken to the searing tropical summer like a duck to water, and will be out to continue his hot run of form at Cluden Park tomorrow.

The tough-as-teak sprinter will be chasing his fourth Cluden win from his past eight starts when he lines up in the Willows Pool Shop Cl5 Hcp (1400m).

Wulguru trainer Tony Comerford is expecting another big run from the son of Eurozone who so far has handled the Townsville heat like a northern veteran.

“He’s surprised me a bit. He’s so consistent and he’s just kept improving,” Comerford said.

“I keep saying he’ll go out for a spell soon but I’ve kept him going because he just keeps racing so well.

“He’s an easy horse to train. When he goes home he eats well and pulls up great.

“In saying that you get to the point where you have to stop and he might go for a break after tomorrow.”

Hell Of A Boy has been a dream purchase for his local owners who include local businessman Craig Promnitz and retired bookmaker Alan Dean.

Since having his first Townsville start in early September, Hell Of A Boy has recorded three wins, three seconds and a third from nine starts, all at Cluden.

The four-year-old has made a meteoric rise from a Class 1 win in October to finish a close second at his most recent run on December 28 in an open handicap over his favourite 1400m.

It was his last start that convinced Comerford the gelding would make the grade in open class. 

“They ran fast time and the winner only just got him after having the better run.

“I don’t know if he’ll be a carnival horse but it looks like he’s up to open grade at this time of year.

“I decided not to run him in the open tomorrow and go for the Class 5 back in his right class.

“He goes up a fair bit in weight (59.5kg) and it’s a hard race. But he’s honest and from the one alley he should be up there poking along and be in the finish.”

Despite just a field of seven runners, Comerford expects stiff opposition from Malawi Gold and Set To Sizzle.

Robig and Ponderoso are also pushing out to a more suitable distance.

Hell Of A Boy’s nemesis last start, Silent Explorer, will be out for back to back wins in the Brothers Rugby Union Club Townsville Open Hcp (1400m).

Top hoop Nathan Day will again be in the saddle for a return bout with rivals Langhro and The Tax Accountant.

The free rolling Nice Retort, which defeated Hell Of A Boy on December 21, is also hotly fancied with just 54kg on his back and the services of premiership leader Lacey Morrison.

The eight event card kicks off at 1.34pm and winds up with the last at 5.49pm.

Pictured: The Boy is hot! Hell Of A Boy’s owners celebrating after a win in November. The gelding is another big chance at Cluden Park tomorrow.

See the racing calendar for upcoming race day