Mars impresses on Dundalk debut

2013 Derby favourite Mars justified his lofty reputation when making an impressive winning debut at Dundalk.

Joseph O'Brien kept things simple on the son of Galileo, sending the 4/7 favourite straight to the front in the seven furlong maiden.

He asked his mount to stretch over a furlong out and he went away in good style in the closing stages.

The chestnut colt posted a convincing four-and-three-quarter length success from stable-mate The Ferryman who stayed on nicely to fill the runner-up spot.

Boylesports go 10/1 (from 12/)1 for next year's Derby while Paddy Power and Stan James are 12/1 from 16/1 with the winner now outright favourite for the contest.

"He has a really good attitude and is very uncomplicated," said Joseph O'Brien.

"We have been waiting a while for a bit of nice ground. He would have had no problem starting off over six.

"He's a lovely horse. He was green as it's his first run and he made the running - you very rarely see them win on the bridle doing that.

"He won nicely and will come on for it."

It was a double on the card for connections, who also struck with George Vancouver in the opening maiden.