Lines Of Battle shows star quality
Off the track since late July and usurped as favourite by British raider No Jet Lag, the Aidan O’Brien-trained, War Front colt challenged between horses to lead before the furlong-pole and responded to a couple of cracks from Joseph O’Brien to forge clear and beat Tennessee Widlcat by two and a half lengths.
The winning rider commented: “He was very green when he was beaten in the Group 3 in Leopardstown, when we were disappointed with him, and needed time to grow up. He’s still lazy and idle and quite green. But he’s very genuine and the cheekpieces helped him concentrate.”
Joseph O’Brien completed a double, and moved 81-77 ahead of Pat Smullen in the title-race, when the Charlie Swan-trained Prince Of Fire landed the first division of the Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium.
The seven-year-old. which might revert to chasing in Cork next weekend (ground permitting), was registering his third win over course and distance and provided Joseph with his first success in the colours of J P McManus.
Apprentice Luke Dempsey, who got off the mark at Navan on Wednesday, struck again when Spirituality won the seven-furlong maiden, prompting Johnny Murtagh, representing trainer Tommy Carmody to state: “He’s been running consistently and Luke’s 10lb. claim was a big help. It’s a tonic for Tommy, because this horse broke his arm with a kick before the Irish St. Leger.”
