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Visiting jockey Edgar Prado capturing the tenth race aboard the Lorne Kirlew-trained LUCKY MICHELLE

Jimmie, Star Racing Writer

LORNE Kirlew's LUCKY MICHELLE had no luck in running last time out, October 8, when coming out worst in a three-way photo, at 1820 metres, won by 8-1 outsider BECKHAM.

The bang-up finish saw BECKHAM beating SPARKLING MICHAELA by a short head, with LUCKY MICHELLE another short head away in third place.

LUCKY MICHELLE returns tomorrow at the exact distance in the Royal Dad Trophy feature race, renewing rivalry with BECKHAM and SPARKLING MICHAELA.

Last time out, Kirlew's filly had stumbled at the start but recovered to straighten three lengths third. Under a timid ride from apprentice Kuri Powell, LUCKY MICHELLE appeared to idle in the stretch run behind SPARKLING MICHAELA and only got moving close home, by which time BECKHAM came with a strong run along the inner rail to inch home by a short head.

Powell has been replaced by Shane Ellis, who had won aboard LUCKY MICHELLE on her May 23 debut, a seven-length victory against maidens. However, more important is that the Adore The Gold filly has worked far better for tomorrow's race than she had for her October 8 run.

Last Friday morning, she breezed six furlongs in 1:14.2, a bullet work, improving on the 1:15.4 she had clocked at exercise on September 27.

She returned this Wednesday to strode seven furlongs in 1:36.2, closing her preparation for tomorrow's rematch with BECKHAM and SPARKLING MICHAELA.

SPARKLING MICHAELA returns best at the handicap, dropping two pounds whereas BECKHAM has gone up by four. LUCKY MICHELLE has had the most movement in the scale, coming in nine pounds heavier with Ellis replacing claiming apprentice Powell.

However, LUCKY MICHELLE has shown enough improvement at exercise to compensate for the added weight and is expected to turn the tables on her rivals.

Elsewhere on the 10-race card, former champion jockey Hubert Bartley should win his comeback race in the opening event aboard HAIL DE KING at a mile after closing for third at 1000 metres straight on September 27.

RED FLAG is also a safe bet to land the seventh, at 1500 metres, after relentlessly chasing out-of-class FRANFIELD in a fast mile on October 4.