Mores Wells sprung a minor surprise as he accounted for leading Epsom Derby contender Macarthur in the P W McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown yesterday.

Macarthur, a full brother to 2005 Epsom hero Motivator, was sent off the 2 to 1 favourite but he could manage only third behind the Kevin Prendergast-trained winner.

Mores Wells (12 to 1) tackled the long-time leader and eventual runner-up Ferneley inside the final furlong, with Declan McDonogh seen to great effect as he got up to win by half a length.

The winner was introduced as a 16 to 1 chance with VC Bet for the Derby and Prendergast now plans to head straight for Epsom on June 2nd with his Sadler's Wells colt. He said: "He's in the English and Irish Derbys. We will see how he comes out of this race but at the moment, he goes straight to Epsom."

Macarthur was pushed out to 10 to 1 with VC Bet while William Hill make him a 12 to 1 chance from 13 to 2.

Meanwhile, Dandy Man staked an early claim for top sprint honours with a convincing victory on his seasonal reappearance at Naas on Saturday.

The four-year-old, trained by Tracey Collins, blew away the opposition to take this Listed contest by four and a half lengths from Flash McGahon, with Absolutelyfabulous in third.

Osterhase took the field along, with Shinko Dancer second and Dandy Man not far behind.

He was swinging off the bit and it was only a matter of time before Pat Shanahan pressed the button.

Once given the office a furlong out, the race was over with the 4 to 6 shot even being allowed to ease down close home.

Collins said: "You couldn't ask for more. His preparation has been very good and he's strengthened up over the winter, but you are always apprehensive until you get that first run under your belt.

"He's in all the top races in England and we think he will probably get six furlongs so that will give us plenty of options", she said.

Scottish Grand National hero Hot Weld is likely to bid for a rapid high-profile double in the Gold Cup at Sandown next Saturday.

Ferdy Murphy's charge held off stablemate Nine De Sivola to provide the West Witton handler with an impressive one-two in last Saturday's marathon.

Hot Weld's 14 to 1 success came under ideal conditions and Murphy is now keen to make hay while the sun shines.

Murphy has five engaged in the upcoming Sandown contest but is likely to saddle just one other with Hot Weld.

"At the moment I would think both Hot Weld and Leading Man would probably run," he said.