Bolger smiling in defeat

Jim Bolger refused to be disappointed after Lucida ran a cracking race to finish second to Legatissimo in the Qipco 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.

Sent off the 9-2 favourite for Classic glory, the filly was awkward at the start but recovered to go clear in the closing stages, before being overhauled.

"There are no excuses. I'd have to be very happy with her. It would have been lovely to win, but there you go," said the County Carlow trainer.

"Her next run is more than likely to be the Coronation Stakes (at Royal Ascot), but there's a possibility of the Guineas at the Curragh in the meantime. I'm fine. I'm long past being disappointed.

"Kevin (Manning) said she ran her heart out, he was very happy with her. He thought he had it put to bed at seven and a half furlongs, but the other one came and got by her near the line.

"Nine years out of 10 that run would have been good enough to win."

Jockey Richard Hughes is looking forward to going back in trip with Tiggy Wiggy.

He said: "We've had a go and I'm only third because she's so good.

" You can argue that she stays, but she's not as effective over a mile. We used her speed over six and it would be unfair to her to keep trying over a mile. The trouble is she's so good, but you are not using all your assets over a mile."

Mick Channon is looking at a possible tilt at the Investec Oaks for Malabar.

The trainer said: "I'm chuffed with her. She's a very nice filly and I think she will be better when she gets a mile and a quarter or a mile and a half. It will be interesting to see.

"The mile just had her on her head a little bit, but she ran all the way to the line. I'm well pleased really, in the sense I'm disappointed we didn't win, but she's run well.

"I think she's an Oaks filly. It's a possibility. I think if we went to Epsom, we'd have to take in a trial, we'll have to talk about that, but it's worth a pop. Listen, we won't be frightened to have a go."