Under Ben Coen's guidance, the Johnny Murtagh-trained Chicago Critic persevered well and won the Royal Ascot Trials At Naas Handicap by closing distance.
The three-year-old son of Night Of Thunder, who had won his juvenile maiden over course and distance in October of last year, was making his third start of the season.
After finishing sixth in Group 3 company at Leopardstown last month, the horse trained by Murtagh appeared considerably more professional here.
Two furlongs out, Ronan Whelan went into mid-division after holding up near the tail for most of the race and making the running on the highly anticipated Sharinay Coen.
Chicago Critic trailed behind the eventual runner-up as she gained ground, but she kept up a strong pace in the last furlong to catch Sharinay near the finish.
Johnny Murtagh said: “I always thought he might be a soft ground horse, but we worked him on the grass last week and Ben was very impressed with him. He’s been gelded since his last run as well so maybe a bit of both. He’s a horse we always liked last year after maybe he won his maiden on soft ground because he’s so genuine. I’m delighted with the way he’s done it today. Ben said he’s hit the line well and he might be a horse to go for the Britannia in Ascot.”