A tight finish and a stewards’ inquiry did little to derail Nobler’s charge, as the emerging import recorded his third consecutive victory at Rosehill, signalling a bright future.

The former Irish gelding, who commenced his Australian career in March, has now strung together three wins on the trot, adding Saturday’s Ranvet Handicap (2000m) to his previous mile successes at Randwick and Gosford.

Hitting his stride halfway up the straight, the $2.90 favourite found enough to fend off the fast-closing King Pedro ($4.40) by a mere nose, with Perfect Play ($7.50) trailing by 1-1/2 lengths in third.

The protest was lodged by apprentice jockey Anna Roper, riding King Pedro, against Siena Grima aboard the winner, alleging interference near the 200-metre mark after King Pedro had to divert its path when the inside run beside Nobler closed.

However, stewards swiftly dismissed the objection. Presiding stipe Tom Moxon informed Roper that while a narrow opening did appear, it closed before she could fully establish her running and the shift came from the horse to her inside, Skycatcher.

Darren Beadman, representing trainer Chris Waller, indicated that Nobler has impressed the team since arriving in Sydney and is poised for better races next preparation.

“He’s acclimatised well since he has come over here,” Beadman said.

“I think he could make his presence felt at the back end of our spring carnival, so now is probably a good time to tip him out and get him ready for something a little bit better.

“He’s certainly taken it all before him since he has come up to Sydney. He’s an athletic horse, a very clean-winded horse. Impressive.”

While Nobler battled to maintain his lead in his first attempt over a middle distance on Saturday, Beadman was adamant the gelding had the constitution to extend further in time.

He was also impressed by the ride from stable apprentice Grima, stating that her tactical decision to wait for clear running before the turn, rather than taking a chance, was instrumental.

“She had a choice at the 600, that was the difference between winning and losing,” Beadman said.

“She got the horse out into clear spaces and let him go through his gears.”

Grima went on to complete a running double for the stable aboard Surf’s Up in the Petaluma Handicap (1400m).

With the spring carnival approaching, the racing odds for Nobler’s future starts will be closely watched by punters across Australian betting sites.