Matchless fends off Laelaps© Photo Healy Racing
Matchless stepped up on his debut fourth to take the honours in the opening juvenile maiden over seven furlongs at Listowel.
Seamie Heffernan soon had the 10/11 favourite into the lead from stall three and the pair dictated the fractions.
They were tracked throughout by Laelaps and Shane Foley who then pressed them a furlong out.
The leader wasn't for passing, though, and kept up the gallop to score by half a length for Aidan O'Brien. Runner-up Laelaps was a 9/1 chance.
Seamie Heffernan said: "He had a nice first run, I liked him and I thought if I got to make the running he'd win. He is still a little bit green and he is a nice colt with a nice pedigree.
"Aidan doesn't mind running a good horse down here and I have to compliment the staff on the ground; it is level, hasn't been touched and is very safe."
Matchless is a full brother to the progressive Delphi who has won four in a row this season culminating in a Group 3 success at the Curragh last month.
Matchless finished fourth over an extended seven at Tipperary last week.
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
