Lucida impresses on her debut

Lucida made a storming start to her career with a victory in the Frank Kenny race for two-year-olds over six furlongs at Naas.

The daughter of Shamardal travelled well in third before taking the initiative from Dandyleekie over a furlong from home. She readily quickened away from her four rivals to win cosily by a length and three parts on this her racecourse debut.

Fellow newcomer Compass Hill took second at 25/1, backed in from 33/1 at the track. Dandyleekie dropped to third 100 yards from the finish. Cape Clear Island the 4/5 favourite, was pushed along before halfway and never looked like threatening the leaders as he came home fourth of the five runners.

Trainer Jim Bolger said: “She’s good. She has got an interesting pedigree and is related to Helen Street. She seems to have inherited all the best traits.

“For the moment I’ll keep her off firm but after that I don’t think it’s an issue. She’s my only entry in the Cheveley Park and that’s my long-term aim. She could go for something in the meantime, but we’ve nothing planned.”

The Godolphin-owned filly was returned at 8/1, having been backed from 18/1 to 9/1 this morning. She holds a Group One entry in the Moyglare Stud Stakes and Cheveley Park Stakes and a Group 2 engagement in the Debutante Stakes.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Cape Clear Island, trained by A.P.O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be Post Race Normal.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson