Leap Year Lad Is A Worthy Winner
After a string of placed efforts, would Leap Year Lad ever secure that elusive first career victory? It was clear the ability was there to get his head in front but what would be the key to doing it. With a small change of tactics and a different track, Leap Year Lad won the 1m 1/2f Elegance By Robyn Health & Beauty Wishaw Handicap at Hamilton.
The son of Havana Grey has been a bit of a slow burner but since being gelded over the winter, he has put a string of consistent runs together. There were a couple of runner up efforts which could and maybe should have led to a win but it was clear he was a winner waiting to happen. Unfortunately last time out he bumped into a dangerously well handicapped rival who has gone on to be 27lb better off.
Racing a little keenly in recent runs, Kevin opted for Hamilton as the downhill straight allows them to free wheel along. Shane (Gray) took the ride and was mindful of this when taking on 5 rivals. From the off he got the tactics perfect as Leap Year Lad tried to pull his way forward. Shane quickly positioned him in behind a rival who wanted to go on and make it. With this cover, the grey gelding relaxed into his stride as they raced around the loop.
Entering the straight the ground begins to run away from the field. This increased the tempo of the race as they begin to free wheel along. Leap Year Lad travelled nicely in second place as he kept tabs on the leader. They began to race from the 3f pole, as one by one they came under a ride to try and lay down a challenge.
Shane played the writing game and whilst his rivals were hard at it, he was able to make smooth progress. Moving through to join the leader, Leap Year Lad looked full of running as they moved into the final couple of furlongs. Now he was asked to quicken up, which he began to do and lengthened.
There were a few chances as the field began to hit the rising ground. Leap Year Lad was moving through the gears but once he entered the final furlong,m he really started to stretch out. Now he had his head in front, Leap Year Lad began to assert and with every stride, put a little more distance between himself and the rest. With just over 1/2 furlong to run he had the race put to bed and it even allowed Shane the chance to ease up on his mount. Securing his first career win by a comfortable 1 1/4 lengths.
He deserved this win and win the end it was fairly comfortable performance. Leap Year Lad settled well when he had covered and was always travelling the best. He hit the line well and hopefully this can be a nice confidence boost, which could lead on to more success in the future. My Vein Clinic Syndicate have enjoyed some good runs this year but this win means so much more. They have had to be patient but it has paid off and hopefully they’ll be able to cheer on more wins in the future.