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Stuart Williams' rapidly improving three-year-old retained his unbeaten record in handicap company by making it six wins on the bounce with success in the bet365 Handicap Stakes at Newmarket this afternoon.

Quinault completed his five-time success with a hard-fought success over the reopposing Washington Heights at York last start. Kevin Ryan's charge looked to threaten entering the final few furlongs but this time it was Mill Reef, who finished third behind Quinault in the aforementioned York contest that would prove the biggest danger.

It was another uncomplicated ride by 5lb claimer Connor Planas as the pair made their intentions clear from the outset by going forwards. Stuart Williams' progressive colt looked to be under siege from all angles entering the final few furlongs as Mill Reef (7/1) loomed alongside to mount his challenge, but the 4/1 favourite was not to be denied as he displayed yet again a tremendous attitude to fend off his old rival by a nose at the line.

Dark Thirty (22/1) finished three and a quarter lengths away in third with 9/2 chance Washington Heights back in fourth under Ryan Moore.