Multiple Listed winner Anna Pavlova (Danehill Dancer - Wheeler's Wonder, by Sure Blade) stepped up to Group Two class with victory in the Prix de Royallieu at Longchamp last October and, given her favoured soft surface, she added to her tally at that level with an impressive win in the Lancashire Oaks over 1m 4f at Haydock on Saturday.

Jim Bolger's Irish raider Ezima had come to the front to tackle long time leader Folk Opera in the straight when Anna Pavlova found her stride under Paul Hanagan, who unleashed a powerful run on the outside that saw the five-year-old challenge Ezima a furlong put before galloping willingly clear to win by three and a quarter lengths. 40-1 shot Queen Of Naples ran on gamely for third.

This was an impressive performance under a 3lb penalty; the Yorkshire Oaks awaits.