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.