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Punchestown 2024
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Michael Graham
Layfayette certainly progressive for Meade
Layfayette, extreme right, delivers his winning challenge
© Photo Healy Racing
Layfayette swamped High Definition to win going away in the Group 3 Alleged Stakes over a mile and a quarter at the Curragh.
He was given a patient ride in rear by Oisin Orr with the pair improving a place to eighth over three furlongs from home.
The pair raced widest of all and made headway a furlong and a half down. It was at the furlong pole that High Definition ground his way to the front past Visualisation
The new leader was ridden by Ryan Moore to go on and win his race, however, Layfayette hit top stride to collar them in the final 100 yards.
The 7/2 chance zoomed in by a length and a quarter from 5/2 favourite High Definition. Bear Story (25/1) got to within a neck of the runner-up.
Meade also saddled fifth-placed Helvic Dream
“The two of them did a little piece of work the other morning, Colin (Keane) rode the other fella and Oisin rode this fella. He worked so well I said I couldn't not run him,” said Meade.
“I didn't ever want to run one against the other but I knew the other fella was going to need it and I was always afraid that the ground was going to be too quick for him and that I might have to take him out.
“This fella goes on any ground, maybe not heavy but he goes on most ground. He's just getting better and Oisin thinks he'll be better over a bit further.
“He thinks a mile-and-a-half will suit him better because he says he actually struggles early, maybe he's lazy though. Maybe a fast run mile-and-a-quarter suits him best.
“He's been in fantastic form all spring. In his work the other morning he went six furlongs and he couldn't get a hold of him at all.
“To have the two of them heading the same direction you don't like to be bumping heads.
“Chris (Hayes on Helvic Dream) said the ground was as quick as the other fella wanted it. He wants soft ground and he'll come back here for the Mooresbridge Stakes.
“The winner is in it as well and you'd have to think about that race for him as well.
“If he keeps climbing the way he's climbing you wouldn't know where he would end up. That was impressive.”
Layfayette had won two Listed races before today in addition to last year's renewal of the Irish Lincoln.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson