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Belgrave Stakes preview

Sun 14th Jul 2013, 10:02

The Mick Halford trained Russian Soul is a leading contenderThe Mick Halford trained Russian Soul is a leading contender
© Photo Healy Racing

Multiple Group One-winning mare Sea Siren has her sights lowered as she makes her first appearance for Aidan O'Brien at Fairyhouse on Sunday.

The five-year-old struck three times at the highest level for Australian trainer John O'Shea and was snapped up by the Coolmore triumvirate of John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith prior to running at Royal Ascot last month.

She performed creditably at the summer showpiece meeting, finishing eighth in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes, and drops to Listed class as she makes her Irish debut in the Belgrave Stakes under the trainer's son, Joseph.

Sea Siren aims to give weight to seven opponents, with David Marnane saddling both Nocturnal Affair and Red Dubawi

Marnane said: "Nocturnal Affair ran a very good race on his comeback run in the Greenlands Stakes at the Curragh, we were very happy. But then he went to Haydock and for whatever reason he didn't show up at all, he was very disappointing.

"We don't know what happened that day, but his work has been good since and we're going to put the blinkers on him on Sunday and we're also putting a tongue-tie back on. Fingers crossed he can bounce back.

"Red Dubawi ran three very solid races on soft ground, but then disappointed on very fast ground at the Curragh last time. The ground should be lovely on Sunday. We're hoping the extra furlong will give him a bit more of a chance to get into it.

"If he doesn't perform, we'll probably give him a break and bring him back for something like the Ayr Gold Cup."

Eddie Lynam won the six-furlong contest 12 months ago with Slade Power and has another major contender this year in Boston Rocker

Mick Halford saddles the ultra-consistent Russian Soul and the field is completed by Elusive Time Lily's Star and Clancy Avenue.