The well backed Dundonnell ran out an impressive winner of the Pinsent Masons LLP Acomb Stakes at York.
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The market vibes were positive for Roger Charlton's juvenile ahead of the Group Three contest and the son of First Defence - who broke the track record at Lingfield when winning his maiden - didn't disappoint.
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James Doyle settled the juvenile towards the rear of the field as Afonso De Sousa took the field along, initially at a decent pace but Joseph O'Brien appeared to slow the gallop down in the straight.
Ebn Arab and Dundonnell both eased alongside him travelling strongly but the former found disappointingly little when asked to go about his work by Paul Hanagan.
In stark contrast, the response from Doyle's mount was instantaneous and, despite idling and running green when he hit the front, the result never looked in doubt despite Steeler battling on gamely after being outpaced.
Doyle said: "I was delighted with him.
"He's still very babyish, but he's helped me out there as the Aidan O'Brien horse (Afonso De Sousa) skipped away from us.
"I found myself in front too soon, but he's got a lot of gears."
Charlton said: "I was really impressed by that.
"James felt it was a bit muddly up front, he just pulled him out and he got there too soon.
"The horse got him out of trouble by pulling a bit more out and he took a lot of pulling up. A mile should be absolutely fine for him.
"There's quite a lot of speed in his pedigree, so I don't think he's a mile-and-a-half horse. I don't think there's any rush to make a plan.
"He obviously deserves to step up in grade, so that probably means a Group One race. A mile would suit him and fast ground suits him.
"I'll discuss it with Teddy (Grimthorpe, owner's racing manager) and the Prince (Khalid Abdullah) and see what they want to do next."
Doyle added: "He's got a fantastic cruising speed.
"He covers so much ground as he's got a huge stride.
"I was wary of it being a tactical race, but he's toughed it out well."
O'Brien said of Afonso De Sousa: "He ran a lovely race.
"We're delighted with him and he might get a bit further."
Sky Bet introduced the winner into the betting for next year's QIPCO 2000 Guineas at 16-1.