On to the Guineas now for impressive Leopardstown winner Kaya

On her first run since September Lady Kaya lived up to market expectations with a lovely performance in the Grade Three Ballylinch Stud ‘Priory Belle’ 1,000 Guineas Trial Stakes at Leopardstown.

Backed from 4/1 into 11/4 favouritism, the high-class juvenile was soon in front under Robbie Colgan, and Sheila Lavery’s stable star was not for catching.

Ballydoyle’s Happen finished off quite well for second but she wasn’t threatening Lady Kaya in any way and two and a quarter lengths split them.

“Everyone kept asking me about her, and what a bad tipster I am. I was really worried about her staying the trip on the ground,” said Ms Lavery.

“At the back of my mind in the bits and pieces we've been giving her I wasn't sure she was going to stay.

“I said to Robbie today to just let her jump and travel and keep her together.

“He said it was like a piece of work and that she'd blow harder at home.

“She has Guineas entries and I was really worried she wouldn't stay the mile but the way she won that you'd have to go for the Guineas.

“Well done to Joanne because it was such a brave move to hang on to her. I'm so lucky to have her and everybody at home has done a great job.

“They knew just not to talk to me this morning! The other horse that was to run (Breaking Story), I was really looking forward to running him, had a stone bruise so the yard was a bit quiet this morning.

On whether she would go to Newmarket or the Curragh she added”- “Although it looks like she's done that really easy she puts an awful lot more in than you think. I'll see how she comes out of it.

“She handles Newmarket, we know that from running last year in the Cheveley Park.

“Knowing her my gut would say the Irish Guineas as she won't do two. I'll discuss it with Joanne but that's my gut feeling at the moment but she'll make the decision for me.

“I was hoping that she'd bulk up a bit more over the winter but when we put her back into work she's back at her racing weight.

“She's a terribly laid back filly, she just eats and sleeps and goes in the paddock. She's so uncomplicated to deal with. What a professional. I'm honoured and privileged to have her.”

(GC & EM)