Impressive Mars makes all at Dundalk
Epsom possible looks out of this world on Dundalk debut
Last updated: 16th July 2012 
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O’Brien: Unleashed the impressive MarsAidan O’Brien’s Mars made an impressive winning debut at Dundalk as he strode away with the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden.
The son of Galileo already headed some lists for next year’s Epsom Derby and he certainly showed the potential to make up into a Classic contender with a thoroughly likeable performance.
He got out of the stalls well under the trainer’s son Joseph and was soon at the head of affairs on the rail despite his wide draw.
He dictated matters from that point and although My Rules laid down a challenge inside the final quarter, the 4-7 favourite only had to be shaken up approaching the distance as he galloped four-and-three-quarter lengths clear.
Stablemate The Ferryman grabbed second as the winner is now 14-1 from 16s for Epsom glory next year with Sky Bet.
Joseph O’Brien said: “He has a really good attitude and is very uncomplicated.
“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.”
Derby favourite Mars hacks up on debut
BY JAMES BURN2:29PM 16 JUL 2012THE Aidan O’Brien-trained Mars, already quoted prominently in the betting for next year’s Investec Derby, strolled home on his debut at Dundalk on Monday.
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Paddy Power and William Hill cut the Galileo colt, a half-brother to Group 1 winner Nayarra, to 12-1 (from 16) for the Epsom Classic, which O’Brien won with Camelot this term. More impressed were Boylesports, going 10-1 (from 12).
Ridden by the trainer’s son Joseph, Mars was sent off the 4-7 favourite against ten rivals in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Maiden.
He was always handy and quickened well to beat stablemate and fellow newcomer The Ferryman by four and three-quarters of a length.
Joseph O’Brien, Camelot’s rider, said: “He has a really, really good attitude. We’ve had to wait for a long time to get him out because of the way the ground has been.
“He settled well today but was still very green and he will come on for the run. It’s very rarely that a horse wins on the bridle first time out.”
