TDN RISING STARS

May 27, 2012 - CURRAGH, Race , Mdn, EUR €17,500, 6f, 13.3500

Lines of Battle, C, 2012, by War Front

1st Dam: Black Speck, by Arch
2nd Dam: Andover Way, by His Majesty
3rd Dam: On the Trail, by Olympia

Owner: Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Joseph Allen
Breeder: Joseph Allen
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien

 Sent off as the 5-1 joint-second favorite for this maiden which appeared packed with highly promising colts, was unfazed by the widest stall and was professional from the break to race towards the fore early. Hooking up with the race-fit Leitir Mor (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) with a quarter mile remaining, the bay was given one smack with Joseph O'Brien's whip before being hand ridden to assert in the final 100 yards and score a shade cozily by a head, with Probably (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) 2 1/4 lengths back in third. “He was just ready to race and we expect him to come forward for the run,” trainer Aidan O'Brien said. “We like him and he could be one for Royal Ascot, as he looked a quick enough learner there." The winner is a half-brother to Battle Paint (Tale of the Cat), G1SP-Fr, $187,021, to Blue Exit (Pulpit), SW-Fr & GSP-US, $178,476 and to Homebound (Dixie Union), GSW-Fr, $189,648. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, €12,075.