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Ed Walker’s ultra-consistent filly Balmoral Lady posted a clear career best when coming with a strong late run to land the Listed Achilles Stakes at Haydock on Saturday.

A progressive daughter of Invincible Army, Balmoral Lady rounded out her three-year-old campaign with an excellent neck second behind Room Service in the Listed Wentworth Stakes at Doncaster.

Following a pleasing reappearance third under a big weight in a competitive handicap at Chester earlier in the month, Ed Walker opted to pitch his four-year-old back into Listed company.

It proved a shrewd move as the well-backed 11/2 chance travelled powerfully up against the nearside rail, before picking up strongly when the gap appeared to come away to score by a ready half-length success from No Half Measures, who emerged with plenty of credit in second. Shagraan finished back in third.

Paul Mulrennan, who was enjoying his 50th winner of the season, told ITV Racing: "She's not the biggest filly in the world, but she's brave.

"She's had to bide her time for a while there, but once the gap came, she really knuckled down and was very tough. Strong at the line.

"She's done nothing but improve all winter. Ed Walker's horses are flying as well."

Winning owner Laurence Bellman added a possible trip to Royal Ascot for the King Charles III could be on the cards, should there be enough ease in the ground.

He added: "She was injured as a two-year-old, but she's so game.

"We've got her entered in the King Charles III at Royal Ascot. We'd like good ground, the softer the better really.

"As long as the ground is fine Ascot is possible, we'll see what Ed says, he's in charge."