Promising youngster to match famed stablemate

PROMISING youngster Hot Deal will continue his bid to match one of his famous stablemate's feats when he heads to Tabcorp Park Melton on Friday night.

Unbeaten from four starts since returning from a spell, Hot Deal is engaged in a Vicbred Super Series semi-final for trainer Aaron Dunn.

The son of American Ideal earned his position in the second round with an eye-catching heat win in Kilmore last week.

Should all go according to plan, Hot Deal will then contest the Group One Final at the same venue on New Year's Eve.

During last season's correlating meeting Dunn trained and drove Bondi Lockdown to capture the $130,000 decider.

"I couldn't be happier with the way he has been going this time in," Dunn said. "The time off and a bit of maturity has done him the world of good.

"It also gave him the time to get over some issues from the trip to Sydney as he came back with a rash and blood showed it was like he had a bad infection.

"I shouldn't have put him around again after Sydney, but I tipped out and it seems to have mainly been sorted out.

"I thought it had gone about five weeks ago, but it came back and he's still got a bit of the rash on side which I can't get rid of  completely."The semis will be another test for him, but he is in fine condition and ready to run another good race."

To be driven by Dunn - who bred and owns the three-year-old - Hot Deal has drawn to settle in a prominent position from barrier three.

"There is plenty of speed off the front, but the draw gives me options," Dunn said. "It'll be nice to see him keep his winning streak going, but obviously looking ahead, the goal is to qualify for the Final."