Purple Lily and Billy Lee © Photo Healy Racing
The classic dream remains alive for Purple Lily after she made it two from two on her return to action when claiming the TRM Equine Nutrition Race at Naas.
Paddy Twomey 's charge settled behind the leaders in the mile contest before being asked to take closer order, by Billy Lee, a furlong-and-a-half from home.
The 10/11 favourite got her head in front passing the furlong pole and kept on strongly in the closing stages to post a three-length win over the front-running Portland
Purple Lily had won her sole outing at two, when scoring at the Galway festival.
“She's a nice filly and she wintered well. We just gave her the one run after the breeze-ups last year and she was good.
“I like her, the horses have done loads of cantering but they haven't done much fast work. When you are taking on a 108-rated colt you are asking them a question and she did it well.
“We might look at a Guineas trial and then the Irish Guineas. Newmarket might come a bit quick and I think we'll take our time.”
The Calyx filly has now won twice with plenty of cut but Twomey added:- “That's only what was there the day she ran, I'd say it doesn't matter.
“She's versatile, she has a lovely attitude and is a lovely filly to train. Hopefully we have a good year with her.”
