Hot Rod Charlie
{{short description|American Thoroughbred racehorse}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2021}}
{{Infobox racehorse
| horsename = Hot Rod Charlie
| image_name =
| caption =
| sire = Oxbow
| grandsire = Awesome Again
| dam = Indian Miss
| damsire = Indian Charlie
| sex = Stallion
| foaled = {{birth date and age|2018|04|11}}
| country = United States
| color = Dark Bay
| breeder = Edward A. Cox Jr.
| owner = {{ubl
|Roadrunner Racing
|Boat Racing
|William Strauss
}}
| trainer = Doug O'Neill
| record = 19: 5–5–4
| earnings = $5,676,720 {{cite web | url=https://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse&refno=10439301®istry=T&rbt=TB | title=Horse Profile for Hot Rod Charlie (KY) | website=Equibase | date=2022 |accessdate=2 October 2022}}
| race = Louisiana Derby (2021)
Pennsylvania Derby (2021)
Al Maktoum Challenge, Round 2 (2022)
Lukas Classic Stakes (2022)
| awards =Secretariat Vox Populi Award (2021)
| updated = 6 December 2022
}}
Hot Rod Charlie (foaled April 11, 2018) is an American Thoroughbred racehorse who won the 2021 Pennsylvania Derby and Louisiana Derby. He also came second in the 2020 Breeders' Cup Juvenile and 2021 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, and fourth in the 2021 Breeders' Cup Classic. He was voted the winner of the 2021 Secretariat Vox Populi Award.
Background
Hot Rod Charlie is a dark bay stallion bred in Kentucky.{{Cite web|last=Reilly|first=Kelly|date=April 15, 2021|title=Tales from the Crib: Hot Rod Charlie|url=https://www.kentuckyderby.com/horses/news/tales-from-the-crib-hot-rod-charlie|access-date=June 11, 2021|website=Kentucky Derby Woodford Reserve}} Charlie is by Oxbow and out of Indian Miss who is a daughter of Awesome Again. Oxbow is the 2013 Preakness Stakes winner, for whom Charlie is his leading performer to date.{{cite web |last1=Reilly |first1=Kellie |title=Pedigree fun facts: Hot Rod Charlie |url=https://www.kentuckyderby.com/horses/news/pedigree-fun-facts-hot-rod-charlie |website=Kentucky Derby Woodford Reserve |access-date=June 10, 2021 |date=April 2, 2021 }} His half-brother is Eclipse winner Mitole.{{Cite web | last=Oswald | first=Jessie | title=HORSE RACING: Hot Rod Charlie took an interesting road to the Kentucky Derby | url=https://www.newsandtribune.com/sports/horse-racing-hot-rod-charlie-took-interesting-road-to-the-kentucky-derby/article_db6918d6-aa0c-11eb-bbdb-cfaae5f48f71.html | website=News and Tribune | date=April 30, 2021 | access-date=June 8, 2021}} Both Hot Rod Charlie and Mitole were bred by the late Edward Cox Jr.{{Cite web | last=Russo | first=Nicole| title=Kentucky Derby 2021: Hot Rod Charlie bringing more honor to late breeder | url=https://www.drf.com/news/kentucky-derby-2021-hot-rod-charlie-bringing-more-honor-late-breeder| date=April 23, 2021 | access-date=June 8, 2021 | website=DRF}}
Trained by Doug O'Neill, he was originally purchased in February 2019 by Bob and Sean Feld for $17,000 as part of the breeders dispersal after his death, he was then purchased in October 2019 for $110,000 by Roadrunner Racing (50%), William Strauss (25%) and Boat Racing LLC (25%) by Dennis O'Neill.{{cite web |last1=McGrath |first1=Chris |title=This Side Up: One Last Apple from the Cox Orchard |url=https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/this-side-up-one-last-apple-from-the-cox-orchard/ |website=TDN {{!}} Thoroughbred Daily News {{!}} Horse Racing News, Results and Video {{!}} Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions |access-date=July 2, 2021 |date=January 29, 2021}}{{Cite web|last=Robin|first=Brian|date=March 22, 2021|title=How Hot Rod Charlie Brought One Small Syndicate to the Derby|url=https://www.onlinegambling.com/news/how-hot-rod-charlie-brought-one-small-syndicate-to-the-derby/|access-date=March 11, 2021|website=Online Gambling {{!}} OG News}} Boat Racing LLC partners include five former members of the Brown University football team: Reiley Higgins, Patrick O'Neill, Alex Quoyeser, Eric Armagost, and Dan Giovacchini. They consider the horse their sixth member.{{Cite web | last=Merritt | first=Matty | url=https://www.morningbrew.com/daily/stories/2021/04/30/hot-rod-charlie-five-best-human-friends-big-kentucky-derby-dreams | title=Hot Rod Charlie and His Five Best Human Friends Have Big Kentucky Derby Dreams | website=Morning Brew | date=April 30, 2021 | access-date=June 8, 2021}} Patrick O'Neill is a nephew of trainer Doug O'Neill and, as he was born into a Thoroughbred racing family, he acted as a guide for the other Boat Racing LLC partners as they debuted as horse owners in the sport.{{Cite web | last=Pedulla | first=Tom | title=Derby Diaries: Patrick O'Neill on Hot Rod Charlie's Louisiana Derby Chances |url=https://www.americasbestracing.net/lifestyle/2021-derby-diaries-patrick-oneill-hot-rod-charlies-louisiana-derby-chances | date=March 19, 2021 | access-date=June 8, 2021 | website=America's Best Racing}}
Racing career
=2020: Two-year-old season=
Hot Rod Charlie started his career with fourth, third, and fifth-place finishes in three maiden special weight races at Del Mar Racetrack. In his second race, he finished behind future Grade I winner Get Her Number.{{cite web |title=Hot Rod Charlie Profile |url=https://www.planetsport.com/horse-racing/hot-rod-charlie | website=planetsport |access-date=June 9, 2021}}
He finally broke his maiden in a Santa Anita maiden special weight on October 2.
Hot Rod Charlie went straight to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Keeneland Racecourse, where he nearly pulled a huge upset after running second at odds of 94-1 behind the winner and eventual 2020 Champion Two-Year-Old Essential Quality.{{cite web | title=Hot Rod Charlie Fresh Off Juvenile Shock | website=Longines Breeders' Cup | date=February 26, 2021 | url=https://www.breederscup.com/article/hot-rod-charlie-fresh-juvenile-shock#:~:text=Hot%20Rod%20Charlie%20was%20a,in%20the%20%24100%2C000%20Robert%20B | access-date=May 3, 2021}}
=2021: Three-year-old season=
Hot Rod Charlie made his first start as a three-year-old in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita Park, where he came in third in a blanket finish won by future Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit.
On March 20, Hot Rod Charlie won the 2021 Louisiana Derby over Lecomte Stakes winner Midnight Bourbon and Risen Star Stakes winner Mandaloun.{{Cite web | last=King | first=Byron | title=Hot Rod Charlie Breaks Through in Louisiana Derby Win | url=https://www.americasbestracing.net/the-sport/2021-hot-rod-charlie-breaks-through-louisiana-derby-win | date=March 20, 2021 | access-date=May 4, 2021 | website=America's Best Racing}} He broke the track record for the 1 3/16 mile course with a time of 1:55:06.{{Cite web | title=Hot Rod Charlie sets track record, gets first GII victory in $1M Louisiana Derby | url=https://pastthewire.com/hot-rod-charlie-sets-track-record-gets-first-gii-victory-in-1m-louisiana-derby/ | date=March 20, 2021 | access-date=June 6, 2021 | website=Past The Wire}} He won by over two lengths and took home the winner's share of a $1 million purse. This victory secured him a spot in the 2021 Kentucky Derby field.
In the Kentucky Derby, Hot Rod Charlie ran a big race under jockey Flavien Prat to cross the wire third behind Medina Spirit and Mandaloun, with Essential Quality fourth.{{Cite web | last=Fernandez | first=Gabriel | title=Kentucky Derby 2021 winner: Medina Spirit pulls off shocking upset to give Bob Baffert a record 7th Derby win | url=https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/kentucky-derby-2021-winner-medina-spirit-pulls-off-shocking-upset-to-give-bob-baffert-a-record-7th-derby-win/live/ | date=May 1, 2021 | access-date=June 8, 2021 | website=CBSSports}}{{Cite web | last=Saxon | first=Jonathan | title=Here are the payouts and final odds for the 2021 Kentucky Derby | url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/horses/kentucky-derby/2021/05/01/kentucky-derby-payouts-winner-trifecta-and-superfecta-2021/7349611002/ | website=The Courier-Journal | date=May 1, 2021 | access-date=June 8, 2021}}
Hot Rod Charlie bypassed the 2021 Preakness Stakes, the second leg of Triple Crown,{{Cite web | last=Bohannan | first=Larry | title=Preakness trip highly unlikely for Hot Rod Charlie despite third-place finish in Kentucky Derby | url=https://www.desertsun.com/story/sports/2021/05/03/triple-crown-gone-hot-rod-charlie-owners-skip-preakness/4930244001/ | date=May 3, 2021 | access-date=June 8, 2021 | website=The Desert Sun}} to make his next start in the 2021 Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown.{{Cite web | date=May 28, 2021 | title=Belmont-bound Hot Rod Charlie drills five in 1:00.48 Friday | url=https://pastthewire.com/belmont-bound-hot-rod-charlie-drills-five-in-100-48-friday/ | access-date=June 6, 2021 | website=Past The Wire}} Sent off at odds of 9–2, he set the fastest early fractions in the history of the race before finishing an ultra-game second after a furious stretch battle with Essential Quality. It was another 11 lengths back for Preakness Stakes winner Rombauer in third.{{Cite web | last=Fernandez | first=Gabriel | title=Belmont Stakes 2021 results: Favorite Essential Quality wins the Belmont, Hot Rod Charlie second |url=https://www.cbssports.com/general/news/belmont-stakes-2021-results-favorite-essential-quality-wins-the-belmont-hot-rod-charlie-second/live/ | date=June 5, 2021 | access-date=June 8, 2021 | website=CBSSports}} In the Belmont he was ridden once again by jockey Flavien Prat, who had ridden Rombauer to victory in the Preakness. When Hot Rod Charlie was entered into the Belmont, Prat honored his prior commitment to ride him rather than to mount Rombauer who also ran the race.{{Cite web | last=McGee | first=Marty | title=Preakness 2021: Jockey Flavien Prat feels real joy with real victory | url=https://www.drf.com/news/preakness-2021-jockey-flavien-prat-feels-real-joy-real-victory | date=May 15, 2021 | access-date=June 8, 2021 | website=DRF}}{{Cite web | agency=Associated Press | date=June 3, 2021 | title=Flavien Prat honors commitment to ride Hot Rod Charlie in Belmont Stakes |url=https://sports.nbcsports.com/2021/06/03/prat-honors-commitment-to-ride-hot-rod-charlie-in-belmont/ | access-date=June 6, 2021 |website=NBC Sports}}
On July 17 in the Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, New Jersey, Hot Rod Charlie crossed the finish line first but was disqualified. He was moved to last place for impeding the path of Midnight Bourbon, whose jockey Paco Lopez was dislodged. Subsequently, Mandaloun, who had crossed second in a photo finish, was declared the winner.{{cite web |last1=Ehalt |first1=Bob |title=Mandaloun Wins Haskell on Hot Rod Charlie DQ |url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/251619/mandaloun-wins-haskell-on-hot-rod-charlie-dq |website=Bloodhorse |access-date=July 22, 2021}} The 2021 Haskell Stakes was the first major race in the United States where jockeys were unable to use a whip in anything but an emergency situation as per a relatively new New Jersey state law. When asked if this affected the race's outcome and the accident, Charlie's jockey Flavien Prat said ..."Yes, the lack of a crop came into play. I was trying to correct him as much as I could. If I could have hit him just one time left-handed, we would have been just fine, but it is what it is..."{{cite web |last1=Edelson |first1=Stephen |title=Did NJ anti-whip rule help cause Haskell incident? Hot Rod Charlie jockey says it did |url=https://www.app.com/story/sports/2021/07/18/did-nj-anti-whip-rule-cause-haskell-incident-hot-rod-charlie-jockey-says-did/8005985002/ |website=Asbury Park Press |access-date=July 22, 2021}}
On September 25, in the Pennsylvania Derby, at Parx Racing, in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, Hot Rod Charlie crossed the finish line first, winning the $1 million Grade I race by {{Fraction|2|1|4}} lengths in front of Midnight Bourbon. His time for this {{Fraction|1|1|8}} mile race for 3-year-olds was 1:48.63. Again, his race was overshadowed by another inquiry and a rider's claim of foul and these again for the same horse, Midnight Bourbon as his last race, the Haskell Stakes. These went also went to the stewards to resolve. This time, however, the stewards did not see enough conclusive proof that would warrant disqualification, so the result stood, and the race order stayed in Charlie's favor. Hot Rod Charlie's trainer, Doug O'Neill, saw no foul, but Midnight Bourbon's trainer, Steve Ausmussen, clearly did not share his view, saying,""Flavien Prat almost drops Midnight Bourbon for the second time. My horse ran well. He survived." Charlie's next step would be the November 6, 2021, Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), where he ran fourth.{{cite web |last1=Ehalt |first1=Bob |title=Hot Rod Charlie Earns Grade 1 Win in Pennsylvania Derby |url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/253559/hot-rod-charlie-earns-grade-1-win-in-pennsylvania-derby |website=Bloodhorse |access-date=September 26, 2021 |date=September 25, 2021}}{{Cite web |date=November 6, 2021 |title=2021 Longines Breeders' Cup Classic Race Chart |url=https://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbPDFChartPlus.cfm?RACE=12&BorP=P&TID=DMR&CTRY=USA&DT=11/06/2021&DAY=D&STYLE=EQB |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=Equibase}}
In December 2021 Hot Rod Charlie was named the winner of that year's Secretariat Vox Populi Award (created by Secretariat's owner Penny Chenery), which "recognizes the horse whose popularity and racing excellence best resounded with the American public and gained recognition for Thoroughbred racing"{{cite web |url=https://www.secretariat.com/fan-club/vox-populi-award/ |title="Vox Populi" Award |date=2021 |website=www.secretariat.com}}
On 26 December 2021 Hot Rod Charlie raced in the Grade II San Antonio Stakes and started as the 1/5 odds-on favorite. He was well placed in the
early going, off the rail or outside a rival, bid alongside the leader on the far turn, battled down the stretch while brushing with Eight Ring, taking a short lead in the straight and was caught at the finishing line.
=2022: Four-year-old season=
The connections of Hot Rod Charlie entered the horse for the Dubai World Cup. On 17 January the horse departed the U.S. to prepare for the event having his last workout at Santa Anita Park going five furlongs in 1:01{{frac|1|5}}.{{cite web |author1=BloodHorse Staff |title=Hot Rod Charlie Flies to Dubai Grade 1 winner will contest the Dubai World Cup (G1) and a prior prep race at Meydan. |url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/256190/hot-rod-charlie-flies-to-dubai |website=Bloodhorse.com |access-date=18 January 2022 |date=18 January 2022}} Hot Rod Charlie won the Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge, Round 2 on February 4 as a final prep for the World Cup.{{Cite web|title=Hot Rod Charlie Preps for Dubai World Cup|url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/256537/hot-rod-charlie-preps-for-dubai-world-cup|access-date=2022-02-04|website=www.bloodhorse.com}}{{Cite web|date=2022-02-04|title=Hot Rod Charlie Wins In Dubai|url=https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/hot-rod-charlie-wins-in-dubai/|access-date=2022-02-04|website=TDN {{!}} Thoroughbred Daily News {{!}} Horse Racing News, Results and Video {{!}} Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions|language=en}} Hot Rod Charlie went to the lead early in the event and cleared out with a {{frac|1|1|2}} furlongs to go and easily won by {{frac|5|1|4}}.
Hot Rod Charlie as expected started in the Dubai World Cup, held on March 26 at Meydan in the United Arab Emirates. Country Grammer crossed the wire {{frac|1|3|4}} lengths in front of Hot Rod Charlie, who grabbed second for a United States exacta, while favorite Life Is Good finished in fourth place. Under an early drive down the backstretch, dropping back, but found another gear late with a charge along the inside. "We wanted to win but we're super proud of his effort," trainer Doug O'Neill said. Hot Rod Charlie earned US$2,000,000 for his second-place finish in one of the richest races in the world.{{cite web |last1=Ehalt |first1=Bob |title=Country Grammer Wins Dubai World Cup for Baffert; Hot Rod Charlie ran second March 26 while favored Life Is Good faded to fourth. |url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/257609/country-grammer-wins-dubai-world-cup-for-baffert |website=Bloodhorse.com |access-date=17 October 2022 |date=26 March 2022}}
After a break of nearly three months, Hot Rod Charlie returned in the Grade III Salvator Mile at Monmouth Park. In a five horse field Hot Rod Charlie was made the 1/5 odds-on favorite but was upset by 2/1 Mind Control after hitting the front in the stretch run, beaten by a head. The final time was 1:35.79 on a fast track.{{cite web |last1=Crosby |first1=Claire |title=Mind Control Edges Hot Rod Charlie in Salvator Mile; Son of Stay Thirsty earned his first win of 2022 in his third start of the season. |url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/259708/mind-control-edges-hot-rod-charlie-in-salvator-mile |website=Bloodhorse.com |access-date=17 October 2022 |date=18 June 2022}}
On August 6, Hot Rod Charlie was entered in the Grade I Whitney Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. A small field of five started, including Life Is Good and Happy Saver. Hot Rod Charlie, the third choice at 4/1, started well and tracked inside around the first turn, settled in second position while along the rail on the backstretch, save round early on the far turn. Hot Rod Charlie was {{frac|3|1|2}} lengths behind leader Life Is Good and was still two lengths behind after six furlongs in a quick 1:10.93. Happy Saver and Hot Rod Charlie took runs at Life Is Good in the early stretch but could not pass him with Hot Rod Charlie finishing third in a time 1:48.97.{{cite web |last1=Ehalt |first1=Bob |title=Life Is Good Dazzles in Whitney; Trainer Todd Pletcher went 1-2 with Life Is Good and Happy Saver. |url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/261975/life-is-good-dazzles-in-whitney |website=Bloodhorse.com |access-date=7 August 2022 |date=6 August 2022}}
On October 1, Hot Rod Charlie faced five other horses including Art Collector, Happy Saver and 2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike in the Grade II Lukas Classic Stakes. Starting as the 6/5 favorite Hot Rod Charlie settled on the outside of leader Art Collector. As the horses rounded the turn into the stretch Hot Rod Charlie took command but Rich Strike came four wide and took the lead at the sixteenth pole. However, with Tyler Gaffalione in the reins Hot Rod Charlie battled back gamely to win by a head in a time of 1:49.77.{{cite web |last1=King |first1=Byron |title=Hot Rod Charlie Edges Rich Strike in Lukas Classic; The 2021 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner just missed against older horses Oct. 1. |url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/263620/hot-rod-charlie-edges-rich-strike-in-lukas-classic |website=BloodHorse.com |date=1 October 2022 |access-date=4 October 2022}} Gaffalione said after the race, "Doug (trainer O'Neill) and his team really had him ready to run today. We broke well and he doesn't really have to be asked to get into a good spot. He really never gave up on me. (Rich Strike) ran a huge effort and my horse just kept on fighting the entire way. He really didn't want to get beat."
Hot Rod Charlie finished sixth to Flightline in the 2022 Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland.{{cite web |last1=Ehalt |first1=Bob |title=Flightline delivers dominant BC Classic performance |url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/264605/flightline-delivers-dominant-bc-classic-performance |website=BloodHorse.com |date=5 November 2022 |access-date=6 November 2022}} He was subsequently retired to stud in Japan.{{Cite web |last=Andersen |first=Steve |date=January 10, 2023 |title=Hot Rod Charlie retired, will stand stud in Japan |url=https://www.drf.com/news/hot-rod-charlie-retired-will-stand-stud-japan |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=www.drf.com |language=en}}
Racing statistics
| class = "wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center; width:95%; font-size:90%"
|+ !Date !Race !Racecourse !Grade / !Distance !Finish !Margin !Time !Odds !Weight !Jockey !Ref |
| style="background-color:white"
|align="left" colspan=12|2020 – Two-year-old season |
| Jul 11, 2020
|Maiden | Del Mar |{{ntsh|5}} |{{ntsh|5.0}} 5 furlongs |4 |{{ntsh |
| 2.5}} ({{Fraction|2|1|2}} lengths)
|59.00 |1.20* |121 lbs |Abel Cedillo |
| style="background-color:lightcyan"
|Aug 14, 2020 |Maiden | Del Mar |{{ntsh|5}} |{{ntsh|5.0}} 5 furlongs |3 |{{ntsh |
| 3.75}} ({{Fraction|3|3|4}} lengths)
|57.50 |2.20* |120 lbs |Abel Cedillo |
| style="background-color:lightcyan"
|Sep 7, 2020 |Maiden | Del Mar |{{ntsh|5}} |{{ntsh|8.0}} 1 mile |5 |{{ntsh |
| 3.25}}({{Fraction|3|1|4}} lengths)
|1:38.47 |2.20* |120 lbs |
| Oct 2, 2020
|Maiden |{{ntsh|5}} |{{ntsh|8.0}} 1 mile |1 |{{ntsh|0.20}} neck |1:38.00 |3.00 |122 lbs |Abel Cedillo |
| Nov 6, 2020
|{{ntsh|1}} I |{{ntsh|8.5}} {{Fraction|1|1|16}} miles |2 |{{ntsh |
| 0.75}} ({{Fractions|3|4 |
|1:42.09
|94.40
|122 lbs
|-style="background-color:white"
|align="left" colspan=12|2021 – Three-year-old season
|-
|Jan 30, 2021
| {{ntsh|3}} III
|{{ntsh|8.5}} {{Fraction|1|1|16}} miles
|3
|{{ntsh|-0.25}} ({{Fraction||1|4}} length)
|1:46.26
|2.50
|120 lbs
|-
|Mar 20, 2021
|{{ntsh|2}} II
|{{ntsh|9.5}} {{Fraction|1|3|16}} miles
|1
|{{ntsh|2.0}} 2 lengths
|1:55.06{{efn|Hot Rod Charlie set a new track record for the {{Fraction|1|3|16}} miles distance at the Fair Grounds}}
|2.90
|122 lbs
|-
|May 1, 2021
|{{ntsh|1}} I
|{{ntsh|10}} {{Fraction|1|1|4}} miles
|2
|{{ntsh|-1.25}} ({{Fraction|1|1|4}} lengths)
|2:01.02
|5.60
|126 lbs
|-
|Jun 5, 2021
|{{ntsh|1}} I
|{{ntsh|12.0}} {{Fraction|1|1|2}} miles
|2
|{{ntsh|-1.25}} ({{Fraction|1|1|4}} lengths)
|2:27.11
|4.80
|126 lbs
|
|-
|Jul 17, 2021
|{{ntsh|1}} I
|{{ntsh|9.0}} {{Fraction|1|1|8}} miles
|7{{efn|Hot Rod Charlie was first past the post but was disqualified for interference in the stretch run and was placed seventh}}
|{{ntsh|0.1}} nose
|1:47.38
|0.80*
|119 lbs
|-
|Sep 25, 2021
|{{ntsh|1}} I
|{{ntsh|9.0}} {{Fraction|1|1|8}} miles
|1
|{{ntsh|1.25}} {{Fraction|1|1|4}} lengths
|1:48.64
|0.90*
|122 lbs
|-
|Nov 6, 2021
| Del Mar
|{{ntsh|1}} I
| {{ntsh|10}} {{frac|1|1|4}} miles
|4
| {{ntsh|-4.5}}({{frac|4|1|2}} lengths)
|1:59.57
|3.20
|122 lbs
|-
|Dec 26, 2021
|{{ntsh|2}} II
| {{ntsh|8.5}} {{frac|1|1|16}} miles
|2
|{{ntsh|-0.1}} (nose)
|1:44.82
|0.20*
|123 lbs
|-style="background-color:white"
|align="left" colspan=12|2022 – Four-year-old season
|-
|Feb 4, 2022
|Al Maktoum Challenge, Round 2
|{{ntsh|2}} II
| {{ntsh|9.6}} 1900 metres{{efn|Distance for the event was approximately {{frac|1|3|16}} miles}}
|1
|{{ntsh|5.25}} {{frac|5|1|4}} lengths
|1:57.41
|0.53*{{efn|Hot Rod Charlie final odds with British Bookmakers were 8/15 odds-on since gambling is prohibited in the United Arab Emirates}}
|125 lbs{{efn|Hot Rod Charlie's weight was 56.5 kilograms in the race which is approximately 125 pounds}}
|-
| {{dts|2022|Mar|26}}
| {{ntsh|1}} I
| {{ntsh|10}} 2000 metres{{efn|Distance for the event was approximately {{frac|1|1|4}} miles}}
| 2
| {{ntsh|-1.75}}({{frac|1|3|4}} lengths)
| 2:04.97
|4.00{{efn|Hot Rod Charlie final odds with British Bookmakers were 4/1 odds-on since gambling is prohibited in the United Arab Emirates}}
|122 lbs{{efn|Hot Rod Charlie's weight was 55.0 kilograms in the race which is approximately 122 pounds}}
| {{sortname|Flavien |Prat}}
|-
|Jun 18, 2022
|{{ntsh|3}} III
|{{ntsh|8.0}} 1 mile
|2
|{{ntsh|-0.2}} (head)
|1:35.79
|0.30*
|124 lbs
|-
| {{dts|2022|Aug|6}}
| {{ntsh|1}} I
|{{ntsh|9.0}} {{Fraction|1|1|8}} miles
| 3
| {{ntsh|-2.0}} (2 lengths)
| 1:48.97
| 4.00
|124 lbs
| {{sortname|Flavien |Prat}}
|-
| {{dts|2022|Oct|1}}
| {{ntsh|2}} II
|{{ntsh|9.0}} {{Fraction|1|1|8}} miles
| 1
| {{ntsh|0.15}} head
| 1:49.77
| 1.33*
|125 lbs
| {{sortname|Tyler|Gaffalione}}
|-
|Nov 5, 2022
|{{ntsh|1}} I
| {{ntsh|10}} {{frac|1|1|4}} miles
|6
| {{ntsh|-15}}(15 lengths)
| 2:00.05
|16.98
|126 lbs
| {{sortname|Tyler|Gaffalione}}
|}
{{refbegin}}
Legend:
{{Legend inline|#F8F9FA |Dirt}}
{{Legend inline|lightcyan |Turf}}
Notes:
An (*) asterisk after the odds means Hot Rod Charlie was the post-time favorite.
{{notelist}}
{{refend}}
Pedigree
{{Pedigree
|name = Hot Rod Charlie, bay colt, foaled April 11, 2018{{cite web | title=Pedigree of Hot Rod Charlie |url=https://www.pedigreequery.com/hot+rod+charlie | website=Pedigree Online Thoroughbred Database | access-date=June 8, 2021}}
|f = Oxbow
2010
|m = Indian Miss
2002
|ff = Awesome Again (CAN)
1994
|fm = Tizamazing
2002
|mf = Indian Charlie
1995
|mm = Glacken's Girl
2005
|fff = Deputy Minister
|ffm = Primal Force
|fmf = Cee's Tizzy
|fmm = Cee's Song
|mff = In Excess
|mfm = Soviet Sojourn
|mmf = Smoke Glacken
|mmm = Lady Diplomat
|ffff = Vice Regent
|fffm = Mint Copy
|ffmf = Blushing Groom
|ffmm = Prime Prospect
|fmff = Relaunch
|fmfm = Tizly
|fmmf = Seattle Song
|fmmm = Lonely Dancer
|mfff = Siberian Express
|mffm = Kantado
|mfmf = Leo Castelli
|mfmm = Political Parfait
|mmff = Two Punch
|mmfm = Majesty's Crown
|mmmf = Silver Deputy
|mmmm = Mercedes Mist{{cite web |title=Kentucky Derby Horses: Hot Rod Charlie |url=https://www.kentuckyderby.com/horses/hot-rod-charlie |website=Kentucky Derby Woodford Reserve }}
}}