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The Paddy Twomey-trained A Lilac Rolla retained her unbeaten record with a victory in the Group 3 Priory Belle Stakes at Leopardstown on Sunday.
An impressive Cork winner on debut in late July, A Lilac Rolla took the scalp of subsequent Group 1 heroine Opera Singer when scoring at the Curragh over seven furlongs. The Harry Angel filly was put away for the winter and appeared to have developed for her time off the track.
Ridden by Billy Lee, A Lilac Rolla was always prominent during the seven furlong contest and began to make steady headway. She hit the front with a furlong to run and was always doing enough, securing a head victory over Kitty Rose. The Aidan O'Brien-trained Buttons finished three lengths back in third, having started slowly and made up ground in the closing stages.
"I think she's a good filly and I'd hoped she would do something like that," said Twomey.
"I haven't run her since she won the second time last year as she just grew and I wanted to give her the time. I'm glad I did and she's trained well all winter.
"I was looking forward to coming here today, although the heavy ground was a concern as her form was on good ground. She's uncomplicated and she's tough.
"She had every chance to curl up if she wanted to but she didn't.
"We're lucky that we have good horses and good owners. I'm very well supported and appreciative of that."