Commonwealth Cup hope Lady Kaya has been massive for me says Robbie Colgan

Robbie Colgan believes he might be mucking out stables now had Lady Kaya not come along to illuminate the latter stages of his riding career.

The 37-year-old dual-purpose rider, who won the Troytown Chase at Navan in 2007 on Royal County Star, has formed a formidable alliance with Sheila Lavery which led to his partnership with the flying filly.

Lady Kaya and Robbie Colgan storm to victory in the Ballylinch Stud 1,000 Guineas Trial at LeopardstownCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

The daughter of Dandy Man has blistering speed and that raw pace was almost enough to get her to the line in front in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket.

A mile stretched her stamina to the limit but she drops to six furlongs for the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot and Colgan thinks she will take some stopping.

"Lady Kaya has been massive for me," said Colgan. "If she didn't come along I might be mucking out stables right now. Things are working out great thanks to her. I owe her a lot.

The rider added: "Royal Ascot is a big deal. It will be a great experience and a great day out. I think she has improved again since Newmarket so hopefully she can show everyone how good she is."

Robbie Colgan: has his ban increased from five days to eightCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Reflecting on her Guineas display, Colgan admitted there was a moment a furlong out when he started believing a Classic was coming his way.

He said: "She cruised the whole way down to the furlong pole. I starting thinking then that we were going to win a big one but it just wasn't to be. She ran her heart out.

"She is such a simple ride. You just have to hold her together and let her get on with things. It's fairly easy to be honest with you."

Lady Kaya is generally an 8-1 chance for the Commonwealth Cup, behind hot favourite Ten Sovereigns, and Colgan is convinced the trip will bring out the best in her.

"She has a very high cruising speed," he said. "I know it could be a very good race but I'll be going there very hopeful. A little bit of juice in the ground would be a real help over six. She's definitely improved since Newmarket so she has to have a live chance."

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