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Prolific three-year-old bags fifth victory of campaign

Sir Ron Priestley put himself in the frame for a tilt at Classic glory in next month's William Hill St Leger with a tenacious front-running success in the Ladbrokes March Stakes at Goodwood.

A winner at the Glorious meeting here, the Mark Johnston-trained Australia colt dug deep to claim victory number five of the season in the Group Three contest.

Pressed late on by eventual runner-up Promissory, the even-money favourite found extra to cross the line with a length and a quarter to spare.

Deidre Johnston, assistant to her husband, said: "Franny (Norton) said he just knows that when they start to have battle he knows they will come out on top.

"He has a really fantastic attitude. He is a lovely horse and is very uncomplicated. Franny oozed confidence and it was lovely to watch.

"You think he was going to have a challenge, but he just thrives on it. He stays the trip really well and has certainly gone up another rung on the ladder.

"It is great to have an uncomplicated horse that loves a battle – that is great to go to war with."

Following the race the winner was cut from 20-1 into 16-1 for the St Leger by Ladbrokes.