Dermot Weld's progressive filly Precious Gem is improving fast and stepped up on her recent listed sucess at Limerick to land the Group 3 Ballymacoll Stud International Stakes in some style.

The daughter of Sadler's Wells had her rivals under pressure as she went for home at the quarter mile marker and stayed on strongly in the hands of Pat Smullen to win easily by 1 3/4 lengths.

Weld said: "She is a very adaptable filly both in terms of ground and riding tactics. I left a bit to work on before she won at Limerick as this race was always her Summer target."

"We own her ourselves and have taken our time with her. There is a Group 1 race at Deauville in August and that is likely to be her next target. She will be kept in training for next year and I am confident that you haven't seen the best of her yet."

The odds-on favourite Recharge was in trouble turning for home and never got in a blow finishing a well-beaten fourth of five.