IT was the first time the Criterion Stakes has taken place at York after the fixture was purchased from Newmarket last year, and as you can expect they were rewarded by a particularly exciting contest, writes Page Fuller.

Quinault was given an enterprising ride by Jason Hart. He is a free-going type, but Jason let him roll and the advantage he gained on the runner-up, Room Service, through the first two furlongs served up too much of a deficit to claim back.

Given the fact that Room Service was off the bridle for the majority of the home straight too, I think he’s definitely the one to mark up for his game second place finish.

Quinault’s 0-20mph of 2.15 seconds was 0.44 seconds quicker than Room Service, and Room Service was already 1.13 seconds behind the eventual winner by the time they got to the end of the second furlong.

This gap proved too much to close, but Room Service was quicker than the winner through each of the last four furlongs, and half a second quicker through the final two furlongs highlighting how much stronger he was to the line.

In each of his four previous runs, he has been the fastest horse through the final furlong which suggests that last Saturday was not unique. It suggests to me that he is definitely worth trying over a mile next time.

That will make it easier for him to travel, so he should find it easier through the main part of the race as well.