Hot And High has emerged as one of the brightest sparks in WA racing but will face likely her toughest test to maintain an unbeaten record in Saturday’s Listed $125,000 Raconteur Stakes (1400m) at Belmont.

The daughter of Too Darn Hot burst onto the scene in late 2025 with wide-margin wins, culminating in a three-length romp of the Lee Steere Classic (1400m) at Ascot.

Since being spelled, the bay has increased her winning tally to five with 1200m and 1300m successes, the latter of which tested her fortitude as much as ability.

Pinned against the fence, Hot And High engaged in a 200m bumping match with Timeless Gem to force into clear running, eventually finding clear air in enough time to gun down Nicciana.

Lucy Fiore, who rode the three-year-old to her final two victories last preparation, will hop back aboard for this weekend’s assignment in which she begins from barrier four as a $2.25 favourite.

Ladies Pro ($3.50) is considered the chief danger under William Pike, also impressing in top company last November.

Since resuming, the D’argento filly has won twice from three appearances with her lone defeat a desperately unlucky fourth where she would have triumphed with an open run.

Vatican Storm ($5.50) and Westbound ($8) are also making an impression through the grades, with the latter scoring four of his six starts up to distances of 1800m.

+ WA jockey Kristy Bennett remains in a critical but stable condition in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Gold Coast University hospital after her barrier trial fall on Tuesday morning.

Falling from her mount after the finish line of a Gold Coast heat, the 29-year-old suffered from a brain bleed and was placed in an induced coma.

Glen Prentice, general manager of the Queensland Jockeys’ Association, issued a statement on Friday afternoon and said that further medical updates would not be expected over the next 12 to 14 days.

“Kristy remains in a critical but stable condition in ICU at Gold Coast University hospital and the medical team have advised Irene (mother) and Bella (sister) that Kristy will remain monitored in the ICU over the next 14 days,” Prentice said.

“Irene and Bella wish to thank the incredible doctors, nurses and staff at the Gold Coast University Hospital for the amazing care Kristy is receiving and send thanks to the Australian racing community for their prayers and well wishes.

“Irene and Bella also send special thanks to Tony Gollan and his staff who have been a tower of strength for the family, as have the Gold Coast Turf Club and Racing Queensland.

“As Kristy remains in ICU, the hospital advises the lovely gesture of sending flowers cannot be accepted.”

Bennett, seeking a new challenge, had only moved to Queensland in recent weeks and was working for Gollan, who is the top trainer in Brisbane.