Well-backed Marshal proves the boss

Air Vice Marshal was all the rage for the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden at Gowran Park and duly justified short odds with some style.

The son of War Front kept on to take third on debut at the Curragh a fortnight ago, and early morning offers of 4/9 looked good value as the 1/4 favourite showed the benefit of that outing for a convincing victory.

Listowel runner-up Hoppala set the pace in this seven-furlong event but was headed a furlong out by the Ballydoyle representative, and Joseph O'Brien had no worries as his mount came home a very comfortable two and a half lengths clear. Haraz made a pleasing debut, keeping on a further two and a half lengths adrift in third.

Joseph O'Brien said, "He ran a nice race the first day and came on plenty at home since.

"The step up to seven furlongs helped and that looks his trip at the minute and he can now step up to Group company.

"The ground is beautiful and safe and on the quick side of good."

(TW & AM)