Paddy Twomey has outlined plans for A Lilac Rolla (Ire) (Harry Angel {Ire}) and Purple Lily (Ire) (Calyx {GB}) following their creditable efforts in defeat when finishing second and fifth, respectively, in the G1 Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh.
A Lilac Rolla forfeited her unbeaten record in that Classic, ultimately having to settle for the runner-up spot behind the high-class winner, Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), while Purple Lily was seemingly the stable's number one contender on jockey bookings but could never get on terms having been caught further back than ideal in a steadily-run race.
Whilst Twomey is considering other races at around a mile for A Lilac Rolla's next start, he expects Purple Lily to return to a mile and a quarter for the G1 Pretty Polly S. back at the Curragh on Saturday, June 29. On her only previous start at that distance she filled the runner-up spot in the G3 Salsabil S. at Navan, form which received a boost last week when the winner, Ezeliya (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), followed up in the G1 Oaks at Epsom.
“We were very pleased with A Lilac Rolla's run in the Guineas and she came out of the race very well,” said Twomey. “She's in the Coronation but at this stage Ascot would look unlikely. I think maybe something like a Minstrel Stakes or the Prix Rothschild might suit her.
“Purple Lily came out of the race very well also. Something like the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh on Irish Derby weekend might just suit her, stepping back up to 10 furlongs.
“Mr Weld's filly [Ezeliya] won the Oaks very impressively. It was a good race in Navan with the fourth horse, Caught U Looking, running a good race in the Oaks too.”
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