Hawthorn Lad can sew it up early

HAWTHORN Lad’s early pace can prove decisive in heat three of the Tote Retention A3 Stake at Curraheen Park tonight.

The selection showed his rivals a clean pair of heels when making it six wins from 17 starts in 29.59 at Youghal in October.

And Hawthorn Lad lost no caste in defeat at the seaside circuit last time, only giving best close home when a neck runner-up behidn Four Spades in 29.37.