Lucida Returns At The Curragh

Off the track for 10 months, last year's G1 1000 Guineas runner-up Lucida (Ire) (Shamardal) returns for the Jim Bolger stable in Saturday's G2 Lanwades Stud S. at The Curragh. Sixth of seven, but beaten less than two lengths, in Newmarket's G1 Falmouth in July, the homebred had previously finished third in the G1 Coronation S. at Royal Ascot after her effort in the Newmarket Classic. “Lucida is just having her first run back and we are obviously working towards Royal Ascot with her,” Godolphin's John Ferguson said. “Jim wasn't sure a few weeks ago if she'd have to head straight there, but if he thinks this is the right thing to do, he's a master of his craft so we're not going to hold him back.” Also in the royal blue is Devonshire (Ire) (Fast Company {Ire}), who was third in the G1 Irish 1000 Guineas over this track and trip last May and filled that same position in the G3 Park Express S. again over this course and distance last time Mar. 20.

Qatar Racing's G3 Ballyogan S. and G3 Brownstown S. winner and G1 Matron S. third Ainippe (Ire) (Captain Rio {GB}) was third over seven furlongs in this venue's G3 Athasi S. May 2 and warrants respect, while Irish Rookie (Ire) (Azamour {Ire}) has sound claims on her second in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches at Longchamp last May. Fourth on her comeback behind Usherette (Ire) (Shamardal) in the nine-furlong G3 Dahlia S. at Newmarket May 1, trainer Martyn Meade may have found her a winnable opportunity as he seeks to provide her with a confidence boost. “It was an experiment with the trip last time and I think we can say she didn't quite stay, so we'll stick to a mile from now on,” he said. “She came out of that run well and I've got high hopes for her this weekend. There is rain forecast and that's good as we want as much as possible really; she does like cut. I was a bit surprised to see Lucida declared, as I was under the impression she was going straight to Ascot, but she hasn't run for a while and we have the benefit of a run under our belts.”