Dark Vader justified strong support when overcoming a five months break in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Dundalk.

The son of Dark Angel showed promise on all three outings earlier this season and was well-supported on track from 9/4 into 11/10 favourite.

Joseph O’Brien’s charge travelled nicely close to the pace throughout and got on top inside the final furlong to score by two and a quarter lengths under Declan McDonogh.

Chief market rival Hieroglyphic could make no impression in second inside the final furlong with Homecoming a further half a length back in third.

O’Brien’s assistant Brendan Powell said, “Joseph just gave him time to fill out. He had some decent form early in the season and his second to Royal Lytham was good form as he went on to win a Group 2 at Newmarket.

“He stretched out well to the line and he just might be a nice three-year-old next year.”