New Pearl created a pleasing impression on his racecourse debut in the Makfi Future Stars Maiden Stakes at Newmarket on QIPCO 1000 Guineas day.
Owned by Pearl Bloodstock and trained by David Brown, connections are already likely to be dreaming of Royal Ascot.
Johnny Murtagh grabbed the rail early and despite being challenged strongly by Godolphin's Gold Hunter, he soon asserted his authority.
Emirates Echo made late headway to claim second, but was four and a half lengths away from the 7-2 winner.
Brown said: "I knew all along he was smart, but until you actually run them on the track you sometimes wonder if they will go and do it.
"He really wants fast ground and six furlongs.
"The plan would be one more run and then the Coventry Stakes at Ascot."
Joseph O'Brien put behind him his 1000 Guineas disappointment on Maybe by finishing fast and late aboard Maarek (12-1) in the Qatar Racing Handicap.
Trained by David Nagle in Ireland, he looked to have a mountain to climb entering the final furlong as Shropshire and Colonel Mak kicked clear on the far side of the track .
But Maarek got up a real head of steam on the near side to win by a neck from Shropshire.
Colonel Mak was third, with Parisian Pyramid and Alben star close behind.
O'Brien said: "There was a slight concern when I lost an iron in the stalls, which was soon corrected.
"I rode this horse once last year and this was only the second time I've sat on him.
"He handled the ground very well and finished strong up the rail."
Kieren Fallon was seen at his strongest when driving Ithoughtitwasover to victory in the Qipco Supporting British Racing Stakes.
The six-times champion jockey hit the front on the Mark Johnston-trained four-year-old on entering the dip and appeared to have the race in safe-keeping.
However, he began to wander and drifted markedly left, allowing the likes of Local Hero, Sandusky and Caucus a sniff of a chance.
The well-backed 5-1 favourite Local Hero came down the outside, but only got within three-quarters of a length of the 10-1 winner.
Johnston said: "I suppose Royal Ascot would be on the radar, but then it is for everything at the start of the season."
Sparkling Portrait (4-1) won the concluding Al Rayan Handicap for the Richard Fahey-Tony Hamilton axis.
Hamilton said: "I go there too soon again and he pricked his ears. But when I asked him to keep going he did help me. He doesn't mind this ground but goes on better ground too."
