Richard Hills timed his run on board Tajaaweed to perfection as he claimed a thrilling victory in the Addleshaw Goddard Dee Stakes at Chester.
Henry Cecil's Unnefer looked to be in control of the race with a furlong to go, but the 5-1 shot came up on the rails to win by a short head.
Trainer Sir Michael Stoute and owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum are now considering a crack at the Epsom Derby.
Achill Island was five lengths back in third place.
Second-favourite Alexandros looked to be mounting a real challenge, but suffered in running in the closing stages to finish fourth.
But the main focus of attention was on Tajaweed's impressive performance, and whether he will go on to challenge for the Group One Derby in June.
"He's a great big horse so it was nice to see him handle the track as well as he did," said Angus Gold, racing manager to Sheikh Hamdan.
"I think he'll come on for today and the experience will stand him in good stead. I'm sure, unless something goes wrong, we'd be silly not to consider it."
Addleshaw Goddard Dee Stakes
1. Tajaaweed (R Hills) 5-1
2. Unnefer (T E Durcan) 4-1
3. Achill Island (J Murtagh) 2-1 Fav
8 ran
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~34~RS~)