Lad out to book Epsom ticket
Andre Fabre’s Linda’s Lad has been confirmed as an intended runner in Saturday’s Group Three totesport.com Derby Trial Stakes at Lingfield Park.
The Sadler’s Wells colt finished fourth on his last outing in a Group Two at Longchamp behind stable companion Gentlewave, the only time he has been out of the first two in seven career starts.
Herve Barjot, racing manager to owner Sean Mulryan, said: “Linda’s Lad is due to run at Lingfield on Saturday. He has definitely come on since his race at Longchamp and is very well.
“While we were slightly disappointed with his last run, the race was not run to suit. He had to make the running but he is a horse who likes to run behind a good pace and he had no chance to take a second breath.
“Although he was fourth, he was not far behind the winner (beaten under a length). Most of the others had a run under their belts and we are expecting a better performance this time.”
Because of a victory in the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud last season, Linda’s Lad will be carrying a 7lb penalty on Saturday but Barjot is not unduly concerned.
“The Group One penalty is a slight worry but he has that weight for a reason. He is a colt with a touch of quality and we hope that will be confirmed on Saturday,” he continued.
“The left-handed track is definitely what he needs – he doesn’t like going right-handed at courses like Longchamp. Good ground will be fine for him but he has never run on very quick ground.
“Being by Sadler’s Wells, the trip will be no problem for him. We hope to be in the first three and we are confident he will run very well – if he does, he will head to Epsom for the Derby.”
