William Robertson showed no signs of ring-rustiness as he put his rivals to bed in a Pinnacle Stakes over 1160m at Turffontein on Sunday.

Corne Spies was worried that the imposing son of Rafeef would just be in need of the run following his rain-interrupted work programme, but he actually won with what was thought to be a measure of ease, with three-year-old classic hopefuls Quantum Theory and Prophet comprehensively beaten.

Marco van Rensburg was thankful for retaining the ride - thanking owners Rob and Sue Macnab, Keegan Govender, Jannie de Lange and Xander Spies. Asked if 'William' was the best sprinter in the country (and not forgetting he once made G1 Computaform Sprint winner Master Archie look ordinary in a Greyville sprint), Van Rensburg said: "If not the best, one of the best!"

Corne was happy to share the moment with regular stable supporter Jannie de Lange, who was on course to lead William Robertson into the winner's enclosure.

Corne said: "We'll be looking at the G2 Hawaii Stakes next, William Robertson is suited to 1400m, and then perhaps the Horse Chestnut Stakes."

He was also impressed with the good sprint produced by Prophet, another to keep an eye on!