Exceedance might have been beaten in his first test in Saturday metropolitan company but his close third at Rosehill is enough to predict he has a bright future.

As he did when he won on debut at Wyong on May 16, the Hawkes Racing-trained Exceedance ($3.70 fav) got a long way back in Saturday's Southern Cross Turf Handicap (1100m) before lengthening stride in the run home.

Race leader Splintex ($7) held off the challenges from Rotator ($4.60) and Exceedance with the margins a short head and a nose.

Splintex was the middle leg of a winning two-state two-year-old treble for trainer Mark Newnham with Shadow Hero and Diamond Thunder winning Listed races at Doomben.

Rachel King said Splintex raised an extra effort when asked.

"He relaxed really well in front today," King said.

"His turn of foot was really good. It was electric when I gave him a squeeze and he found again when they came at him.

Rotator's jockey Jason Collett was also impressed with his mount while Tommy Berry was effusive in his praise for Exceedance.

"It's scary how good this horse is," he said.

"He's one of the nicest young horses I've ridden in my career.

"I can't speak highly enough of him.

"He quickened at the 400 (metres), again at the 300, 200, again at the 100. There is just no bottom to him. "

Co-trainer Michael Hawkes said Exceedance would now be spelled.

Splintex ran his last 600 metres in 33.39 seconds with Exceedance clocked at 32.21s.

"He will have a break now. He is a promising horse," Hawkes said.