SIR Ron Priestley (110) took the step up in grade in his stride when winning the Group 2 Betfair Exchange Jockey Club Stakes, making every yard of the running in the hands of Franny Norton.

Having missed all of last season, the son of Australia is certainly making up for that lost time and once again showed his effectiveness on fast ground proving too good for last season’s St Leger third Pyledriver (105).

The overall time figure was slightly below par for a race of the grade, but the closing sectionals were the opposite as the first two home ran the final three furlongs in under 35 seconds, which was only surpassed by the sprinters on the day.

Pyledriver travelled smoothly for regular pilot Martin Dwyer and emerges with credit given the closing speed of the winner. The son of Harbour Watch looked to be coming with a winning challenge when switched off the rail passing the three-furlong pole, but wandered around under pressure, eventually making little impression on the climb to the line. He will no doubt be fitter next time.

Best sprinter

The best overall time-figure for the sprinters predictably went the way of Lazuli (110) who won the Group 3 Betfair Palace House Stakes. William Buick was always well placed on the winner and, in finishing off in 34.13 seconds for the final three furlongs, just held off the late challenge of the unfortunate Came From The Dark (110).

The finishing split recorded by Came From The Dark (33.66 seconds) backs up that Hollie Doyle’s mount would have prevailed had he got a clear run that he was denied on two occasions. He may be of interest in something like the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot given his run style if connections roll the dice as he looks much improved this term.

A time comparison between Chil Chil (105+) and the Palace House Stakes winner shows Andrew Balding boasts a well-handicapped mare in his stable.

Comparatively the overall race time achieved was only marginally slower while the five-year-old’s finishing sectional of 34.13 seconds displays the purpose with which she finished the race.

The Wokingham at Royal Ascot is reported to be the target and, as the daughter of Exceed And Excel has already won over course and distance at the Berkshire venue, she would warrant consideration.

Mohaafeth (98+) was the easiest winner of the day, easily accounting for Secret Protector by five-lengths and is now as short as 8/1 for the Cazoo Derby in June. As impressive as the son of Frankel was, he rated higher on the clock when winning on his previous start.

However, the inclination to be keen and wayward in the finish on that occasion was replaced with a polished professionalism that could see his connections let him take his chance in the Epsom showpiece.