Williams believes Quinault has ‘more to offer’ at York

Quinault will aim to extend his unbeaten run at York to four in what is sure to be a red-hot renewal of the Sky Bet City of York Stakes on August 23.

Stuart Williams’ prolific winner booked his spot in the new Group One when successful in the Criterion Stakes on the Knavesmire in June, a race which qualified him to start in the City of York.

“We had him spot on for that race (in June) and you’re delighted to win a race there, of that prestige, and get the win-and-you’re-in prize for the City of York,” said Williams.

“He obviously loves the track, it’s suited him really well and he’s unbeaten up there.

“It’s hard to assess what’s going to run at the moment, but they’ll have to run hard to beat him. He tries like hell and wherever he finishes he’ll do his absolute best. They’ll have to keep up with him because he’ll go a good clip – and he keeps going.

“In the race (the Criterion) he won there, they were sort of catching him halfway up the straight, but he did the second-quickest last furlong, so he was not stopping at the end. We’re hopeful he can do that again.

“I still think he’s got more to offer – I still think he’s on his improve.”

He added: “I think it’s an important thing for the calendar to have a Group One seven-furlong race in Britain – it fits in well with the (Prix de la) Foret, which is six weeks further down the line. It should be a nice stepping-stone for that.

“We’ll enjoy the day whatever happens, I’m sure he’ll do his best and he won’t be far away.”