soon raced in 3rd, ridden to chase winner straight, no extra from over 1f out
slowly into stride and pushed along in rear, no impression approaching straight, soon no extra
dwelt, soon mid-division, some headway and effort straight, soon one pace
soon raced in 4th, ridden and some headway straight, weakened from 1 1/2f out
dwelt and pushed along briefly, soon raced in 5th, pushed along again halfway, chased winner straight and kept on same pace without threatening from over 1f out
dwelt, held up, pushed along and headway to chase leaders straight, kept on same pace without threatening from over 1f out
soon led, went on from halfway, stayed on well straight, easily
mid-division early, 6th approaching straight and pushed along, kept on same pace from under 2f out
held up, towards rear and pushed along approaching halfway, no impression approaching straight, soon no extra
held up, pushed along before halfway, one pace straight
soon raced in 2nd, ridden straight, soon chased winner, no extra and one pace from over 1f out
PREPARE FOR BATTLE, a $400,000 yearling, is taking time to mature but was conceding 5lb to a pair of decent looking fillies in a huge field at the Curragh on Friday and can gain compensation. The winner is trained by Jim Bolger who has Flamma Clarus entered here and the daughter of Teofilo will be better for her run over the track and trip last month. Rayda looked in need of experience when a very good fourth in a big field here in July and she looks the main threat with normal progress sure to see her in contention. Velsen has run moderately in two starts on ground with some give and may do better on this likely quicker surface.
Alfred Elmore (IRE) 100-1 (9-13) Mid-division early, slightly impeded over 2f out, soon switched right and one pace, 9th of 16, 12l behind Dabiyr (9-5) at Gowran Park 1m 1f mdn gf in Aug.
Kris Black (IRE) Le Cadre Noir gelding out of Folk Kris.
Reaper Man (IRE) 66-1 (11-7) Rear of mid-division, never a factor, pushed along and no impression approaching straight, no extra from 2f out and eased final furlong, tailed off, 12th of 18, dist behind My Sister Sarah (11-0) at Roscommon 2m gd in Aug.
Shadow Seven (FR) 20-1 (9-10) Held up, soon towards rear, no extra from over 1f out, 25th of 28, 15 3/4l behind Luceita (9-0) at Curragh 7f mdn Good - Yielding in Aug.
Long Wood (IRE) 50-1 (9-5) Held up, soon towards rear, headway but no impression over 1f out, ran on without threatening final furlong, 11th of 28, 4 3/4l behind Luceita (9-0) at Curragh 7f mdn Good - Yielding in Aug.
Small Wonder (IRE) 25-1 (9-8) Slow into stride and raced towards rear, pushed along in 9th from halfway, ridden from 3f out, no impression from over 1f out and kept on into moderate 6th inside final furlong, 6th of 10, 7 3/4l behind Maysiyana (9-0) at Killarney 1m 3f mdn fll Yielding in Aug.
Black Noah Big Bad Bob gelding out of Frequently.
Prepare For Battle (USA) 5-2fav (9-5) Prominent, soon 3rd, challenged and every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 28, 1 1/2l behind Luceita (9-0) at Curragh 7f mdn Good - Yielding in Aug.
Velsen 33-1 (9-5) Tracked leaders, reminder halfway, one pace 2f out, 6th of 14, 15 1/2l behind Sir Erec (9-5) at Curragh 1m 2f mdn Good - Yielding in Aug.
Allez Secrete (IRE) 100-1 (9-0) Towards rear for most, never a factor, 14th of 16, 22l behind Dabiyr (9-5) at Gowran Park 1m 1f mdn gf in Aug.
Flamma Clarus (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Dwelt, soon chased leaders, pushed along into straight, soon one pace, 11th of 16, 13 1/4l behind Dabiyr (9-5) at Gowran Park 1m 1f mdn gf in Aug.
Rayda (IRE) 9-1 (9-0) Held up, soon towards rear, pushed along and headway from 4f out, chased leaders straight, kept on same pace from over 1f out, 4th of 17, 6 1/2l behind Erin (9-0) at Gowran Park 1m 1f mdn fll Good - Yielding in Jul.
Lady Savanah (IRE) Vale Of York filly out of Inishmot Lady.
