Unbeaten Calyx Filly Aimed At Irish 1,000 Guineas

Purple Lily (3f Calyx – Boca Raton, by Approve) emerged as a lively Classic contender when producing an impressive performance at Naas on Sunday.

The Paddy Twomey-trained filly won her sole juvenile start in a Galway maiden and was sent off favourite as she stepped up to a mile on her seasonal return. Chasing the leaders under Billy Lee, she was ridden to lead a furlong from home and ran on well to beat Group 1 performer Portland by three lengths, with another four and a quarter lengths back to the third.

Speaking after the race, the winning trainer said, “When you take on a 108-rated colt you're asking them a question and she answered it well. She has a lovely attitude and is a great filly to train.” Looking ahead, Twomey commented, “Hopefully we'll now look at a Guineas trial and then go for the Irish 1,000 Guineas. I don't think we'll be going to Newmarket and we'll take our time.”

Purple Lily first showed promise at the Goresbridge Breeze-Up Sale, where she was sold by Chasefield Stables to Avenue Bloodstock for €155,000. Bred by B O’Neill, she hails from the exciting first crop of Calyx. The well-bred sprinter is represented by three Group winners, Group 1 performer Eben Shaddad and Group 2 runner-up Malc.