Quinault

Trainer S C Williams, based at Newmarket, clearly knows what Quinault needs. The yard has sent out 67 winners this season, and Quinault remains its most reliable engine room performer. Marco Ghiani has ridden him most often, winning 4 of their 12 races together — broadly in line with the horse's overall record. Quinault also shows a strong preference for slightly soft, muddy ground; he has won 2 of his 3 races on that surface, suggesting he handles testing conditions better than he does fast, dry tracks.

The current form tells a straightforward story: he hasn't won in his last six races, finishing most recently seventh just over a day ago. That is a drought for a horse of his ability, and it suggests he is either struggling to find conditions that suit him or facing stiffer competition. But at six years old, he is still in his prime years, and his record at the top level — four wins from 14 Class 1 races — says he is a genuine contender when everything aligns.