Larchmont Lad
Larchmont Lad ran a big race to finish second to Hey Gaman in the Listed King Richard III Stakes from his high draw. Weak in the market beforehand, Joseph Tuite's horse got a little out-paced as the field raced to the 3f marker and moved towards the far side. He was last of the six runners as they passed the 2f pole, but he kept finding for pressure on the near side. It never really looked like he was going to catch Hey Gaman, who burst through on the far side and kept on well to the line, but he kept on admirably to get up for second place, in front of Cardsharp and Laugh A Minute.
Natural inclination is to think that the draw shouldn't really have an impact in a six-horse race over a straight 7f, but Larchmont Lad had to race on the near side from his draw in stall six, with the stalls on the stands side, against the near rail. Given that the field moved as a group over towards the far side as the race progressed, he was probably disadvantaged as a consequence. Also, this was his seasonal debut and his first run for his new trainer, and he was weak in the market, so it is reasonable to assume that he will progress from it.
The son of Footstepsinthesand was a talented horse for David O'Meara and Cheveley Park. He was only beaten a head by D'bai in the Group 3 John Of Gaunt Stakes at Haydock last June, when he had Tabarrak and Dutch Connection behind him, and he battled on well to win the Group 2 Minstrel Stakes at The Curragh on Irish Oaks day last July.
This seven-furlong trip is a good trip for him, and he goes well on fast ground. He is entered in the Spring Trophy at Haydock on Saturday, and he will be of interest if he takes his chance in that.
Leicester, 27th April 2019
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