Early morning rain dented the confidence of trainer Richard Laming prior to the debut win of Cecil Street Lad at Sandown.

Laming knew he had a two-year-old of above average ability but was concerned with the Soft7-rated track for the Ladbrokes Handicap (1000m) on Wednesday.

“We were confident but if the track was a bit drier, I would have been more confident,” Laming said.

“He doesn’t like shifty ground, so to the horse’s credit, it was a good win.”

Ridden by Dean Holland, Cecil Street Lad ($4.40) scored a three-quarter length win from Seydoux ($26) with the $3 favourite Mynumerouno the same margin off in third place.

Laming said Cecil Street Lad was purchased through the Ready To Run Sale in New Zealand and was the second galloper he had purchased through those sales.

“The last one I bought there had one start for me and was sold and hopefully this bloke will be just as good,” Laming said.

“He’s a horse that has plenty of upside.

“We paid a little bit of money for him, but it’s worth it and he’s got plenty to give.”

Laming said Cecil Street Lad was bred to be a sprinter, being by Bobby’s Kitten, but was excited by the way the gelding handled himself under race conditions on Wednesday.

He said with the early spring three-year-old races approaching, there was plenty of options in the coming weeks for Cecil Street Lad.

“He’s bred to be a sprinter, so we’ll keep him to the short distances,” Laming said.

“But the way he relaxed there and finished it off, 1200 metres won’t be an issue.

“We’ll see how he pulls up. There’s plenty of races coming up, so we’ll just take our time.”

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au