Cheveley Park Stakes heroine Lightening Pearl is back in training ahead of her bid for Classic glory in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.
The three-year-old rounded off her juvenile campaign with an impressive performance at Headquarters, and trainer Ger Lyons is hopeful she will return to the track on the first weekend in May.
She could be seen in racecourse action before then, however, with the 1000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown under consideration.
“She started back cantering a week ago last Monday and hopefully we can have a trouble-free run with her,” Lyons said.
“The Guineas at Newmarket is the plan. The trial at Leopardstown at the end of March is the first option of a race for her, so we’ll have a look at that.”
Having scored over six furlongs (1200m) on her final two starts of 2011, Lightening Pearl’s ability to stay a mile (1600m) remains in doubt.
Lyons admits the speed his filly showed on her latest visit to Newmarket is giving him slight concern, but he is happy to have a go.
“I never had a doubt about her stamina until her last two races,” the trainer added.
“I was adamant she wanted a mile as she won her maiden at Roscommon over seven furlongs (1400m) and was up there the whole way.
“But then she won the Group Three at the Curragh over six furlongs and the Cheveley Park. She showed so much speed, there would have to be some question marks there about her staying the mile.
“Cheveley Park winners don’t have a great record in the Guineas, so history is against us as well.
“I don’t want to be negative but every time I watch the replays of her last two races, it does worry me how much speed she shows. Maybe I should just stop watching the replays!”
PA AAP TURF
