Arc could be an option for Lucky Lilac after snug Osaka Hai triumph

While the racing world remains locked down for the most part during the coronavirus crisis, connections of Lucky Lilac have every reason to cast their gaze internationally should that become a realistic possibility in the second half of the year.

The five-year-old daughter of dual Arc runner-up Orfevre scythed between rivals to land the Grade 1 Osaka Hai at Hanshin on Sunday and both jockey Mirco Demuro and trainer Mikio Matsunaga are looking forward to tackling the best after Lucky Lilac added to a pair of top-level triumphs against her own sex.

"She has come so far, having matured so much, which became evident last autumn," said Matsunaga, who trains Lucky Lilac for Northern Farm's Sunday Racing syndicate. "She's finally learned to settle and to break from between horses during a race. She is a really powerful horse."

While Lucky Lilac had only a neck to spare over the same owners' Chrono Genesis at the line on Sunday, that may underestimate her superiority given Demuro had to patiently wait for a gap to appear.

Her versatility in terms of trip means Lucky Lilac will be on a number of lists for big international end-of-year targets.

"I've wanted to try this distance [a mile and a quarter] with her for some time," said Matsunaga. "Going forward I want to race her against strong competition. Hopefully she will overcome it all."

Demuro was in agreement that connections should not be afraid of anybody in the future.

He said: "She's a mare but a not timid mare and has the strength to face the top males in the future."

Lucky Lilac landed a third Group 1 victory when winning the Osaka Hai at Hanshin under Mirco DemuroCredit: Masakazu Takahashi

With Japanese racing still searching for an illusive first Arc win, a further step back up in trip to the Tarakazuka Kinen over 1m3f would be an interesting move with a view to Longchamp, though it should be remembered success in that race also attracts a lucrative bonus should the winner go onto double up in the Cox Plate in October, a feat achieved by Lys Gracieux in 2019.

While Lucky Lilac already has mile and a half form - she finished second to compatriot Glory Vase in Hong Kong last December - she could just as easily be dropped back in trip for a potential dynamite domestic clash with Almond Eye in the Yasuda Kinen, or else for the Victoria Mile at Tokyo in May.

That route might indicate interest in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf, which this year is scheduled to be over a tight 1m1½f at Keeneland.

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