Lines can win battle
Aidan O’Brien’s colt has raced only three times and has not been seen since failing by a neck to Grafelli in the listed Tyros Stakes in Leopardstown.
Prior to that defeat, the War Front colt had created a favourable impression when landing a Curragh maiden and was far from disgraced when finishing six lengths sixth behind Dawn Approach and Olympic Glory in Royal Ascot’s Coventry Stakes.
The colt’s absence since July is a concern. But he should relish this fast surface and, although he has a few pounds to find on Cougar Ridge — disappointing in Doncaster last time, Joseph O’Brien’s mount gets the vote.
British raider No Jet Lag also deserves consideration, having chased home Ashdan (contests tomorrow’s Dewhurst Stakes) at Doncaster, having scored in Redcar and Lingfield.
Andy Oliver is enjoying a tremendous season and his Tiger Stripes sets a decent standard in the opening maiden, on the evidence of his third behind Probably and Cristoforo Colombo in the Group 2 Railway Stakes at the Curragh back in June.
Although a rating of 98 might flatter Oliver’s charge, he should still prove difficult to beat at this level.
Tramore stages a mixed card this afternoon and the Jimmy Mangan-trained Noras Fancy makes plenty of appeal in the Follow Tramore On facebook Mares Beginners Chase.
An accomplished hurdler, this mare acquitted herself well when third behind Miradane and Benefficient on her chasing bow at Listowel and, back in mares company, should prove tough to beat.
Earlier, the consistent but disappointing Zabana should belatedly open his account in the opening Waterford & Tramore Directors Maiden.
