George gets off the mark

Better ground looked the key as George Vancouver got off the mark at the third time of asking in the opener at Dundalk.

The Henrythenavigator colt had been turned over at short-prices on his first two starts, both in testing conditions.

But the support for him today proved justified (5/1 in morning into 11/8f) as he took the six furlong contest in style.

Joseph O'Brien had his mount prominent throughout and he kicked on at the furlong pole.

The Ballydoyle colt kept on strongly in the closing stages to post a cosy three-and-a-quarter length success over Lottie Dod

"The ground was shocking at the Curragh and he couldn't pick up in it," said Joseph O'Brien.

"He really quickened up today and sprinted all the way to the line. He wants good ground as Henrythenavigator wanted it quick. He's a stallion going places.

"He's always shown plenty of speed from day one. He's only won a maiden there but I'd imagine he'll step up to listed or group class now."