War gets on top late in opener

War Command got going late on to make a winning debut in the opening two-year-old maiden at Leopardstown.

The winner had been well backed this morning from 5/2 into even-money but was easier on track and returned 6/4 after opening 5/4.

He was a touch green in the preliminaries and took a while to find top gear in the race itself.

Joseph O'Brien got a good tune from the son of War Front inside the final furlong and he powered home to get up late for a neck success over even-money favourite Intensified

“We're delighted with that as Jim's horse has a good bit of form,” said Aidan O'Brien afterwards.

“He's green but won nicely at the line without having too hard a time. It's a lovely bit of ground and he loves fast ground.

“I wouldn't mind going back in trip with him as he's got plenty of speed.”

The master of Ballydoyle feels that Royal Ascot might come a bit quick for the winner.

“He was green enough and it might come too quick. He could be a Railway horse.”