RACING:MARS COULD clash with Dawn Approach in the Galileo European Breeders Fund Futurity Stakes at the Curragh on August 25th.

Should the unbeaten pair meet, it would mean the ante-post favourites for the Derby and 2,000 Guineas going head-to-head over seven furlongs.

The Group Two event has a rich recent history and Jim Bolger, trainer of Dawn Approach, won it with star colts Teofilo in 2006 and New Approach a year later. Bolger pointed towards the Futurity when not declaring Royal Ascot winner Dawn Approach for the Phoenix Stakes over the weekend.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Mars was favourite with a number of firms for Epsom before setting foot on a racecourse and made the perfect introduction when winning at Dundalk. O’Brien said: “Mars may run in the Futurity Stakes.” O’Brien’s Futurity winners include Cape Blanco, Oratorio, Hawk Wing and Giant’s Causeway.

Ger Lyons is in no rush to make any fancy plans for Harmonic Note following her most encouraging debut at the Curragh on Sunday. Sent off at 25 to 1 for what looked a typically warm maiden, the youngster outran her price to finish a close second behind the more experienced joint-favourite Starbright. The winner is bound for the Group One Moyglare Stud Stakes on her next appearance, but Lyons is keeping things low-key with his filly.

“I think she’ll make a nice three-year-old and we’ll keep things simple with her for now and try to win a maiden next time,” said Lyons.

The Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster is a possible long-term objective for Andrew Oliver’s juvenile First Cornerstone following his Listed triumph at Tipperary last week.