Lakota Seven © Photo Healy Racing
The 8/13 favourite Lakota Seven gave his supporters a few anxious moments before eventually landing the odds with plenty to spare in the Irish EBF Median Sires Series (C & G) Maiden.
Joseph O'Brien 's Sioux Nation colt, runner-up on debut at Down Royal a fortnight ago, didn't travel early on and was pushed along with only one behind him three furlongs out. He was carried out to the centre of the track by a rival over a furlong out but, once he gathered stride, he picked up well to cut down the leaders.
Two and half lengths was the margin of victory over Roman Hands with the front-running Thunderbear half a length further back in third.
Assistant trainer Brendan Powell said: "He (Shane Crosse) said he was a little bit sluggish away and he just got too far back.
"The thing is, and it is the same as last time, he is such a laid-back horse and I still think that there is so much improvement to come with this lad.
"I think he will be way better on a better galloping track. He'll stay well and I think he might just be a decent horse.
"Fair play to Shane and him, they both tried as hard as each other. I know for odds-on backers it probably would have been scary.
"I can see a decent future for this lad. He is still coming in there half-asleep."
Quotes from Michael Graham
