Lilac Lady

Trained by Mark Michael McNiff at Strandhill in County Sligo, Lilac Lady seems to be a horse that needs distance to show her best. Over the longer races — two miles or further — she has won 1 of her 9 attempts, a win rate of roughly 1 in 9 tries. That is thin reward, but it points to where her strengths lie. Her recent form has been mixed. In her last six runs she has managed one second place and two thirds, though she has also been soundly beaten, most recently finishing seventh just a day ago. She remains actively campaigned, which suggests the yard still believes there is a chance of another winning day ahead.

Danny Sheehy has ridden her eight times without success, and the partnership has drawn a blank so far. Given how few opportunities Lilac Lady has had to show real form, there may yet be another race in her at a suitable course and distance. The fact that Sligo brought out her one victory is worth noting — horses sometimes take to particular tracks, and a return there with the right conditions could pay off.