Quinault not for passing in Criterion Stakes at York

Jason Hart excelled aboard Quinault, as Stuart Williams’ stable star maintained his unbeaten York record by making every yard in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Criterion Stakes.

The five-year-old has long been an admirable servant for his Newmarket handler and always capable of mixing it at a high level and proved so once again to notch his 11th career success.

A 12-1 chance for the first running of the Group Three event on the Knavesmire, Hart wasted little time taking the initiative and although plenty tried to reel Quinault in late on, he held on gamely for a length success over Kevin Ryan’s fast-finishing Room Service.

Williams said: “We’re delighted and he’s always been a high-class horse. We hoped he was up to winning at Group level, before he’d only won at Listed level but when he gets his own way in front he’s a hard horse to get past and he’s always determined to win which helps.

“Jason gave him a great ride and he had his conditions today which helped. He really likes York and funnily enough he’s won three times at York now and is unbeaten at the track. He’s just a really good horse basically.”

Paddy Power make Quinault a 16-1 chance for the Lennox Stakes at Goodwood, but it is more likely he returns to Yorkshire for a tilt at Group One glory in the upgraded Sky Bet City of York Stakes during the Ebor Festival on August 23.

“I think for sure we’ll have a crack at the City Of York and that was the reason for coming here rather than the Chipchase at Newcastle,” continued Williams.

“We’ll see what he’s like at home but I would imagine the plan would be to go straight to it. If he got a bit fresh at home, which he can and he does take his racing well, we might have to look at something else in between.”