‘She’s a Group 2 winner now so we kind of have to go for Group 1’s.’

Ed Walker appears to be edging towards the Prix Jean Romanet for his recent Group 2 Prix de Malleret winner Qilin Queen.

Following a disappointing effort in the Epsom Oaks, the Ed Walker-trained three-year-old daughter of Pinatubo showed what she was truly capable of when battling on well under a fine front-running ride from Kieran Shoemark to see off Sunly by a neck at Longchamp, leaving connections eyeing a step up to Group 1 level.

Speaking on Nick Luck's Daily Podcast, Walker said: "I lots of people will say that the ride won it probably more than the filly. I think Kieran (Shoemark) absolutely nailed it, but he had a very willing and talented partner.

"I think on fast ground, 2000m and 2400m on a nice flat galloping track will suit. So, both the Yorkshire Oaks (Gr.1) or the Prix Jean Romanet (Gr.1) are options. She's a Group 2 winner now so we kind of have to aim at Group 1's. I think one of those options is ideal, probably the Romanet."

Whilst Qilin Queen clung on to prevail by a neck, her younger stablemate had to settle for the silver medal spot when suffering defeat by the same margin in the Group 2 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket's July Cup meeting.

A facile winner on debut at Thirsk, the daughter of Palace Pier very nearly kept her perfect record intact when pushing Karl Burke's highly exciting and well-regarded Venetian Sun close under William Buick.

"I think she'll go straight to the Lowther," said Walker, who landed the contest twelve months ago with Celandine.

"We've always held her in very high regard, and it was no surprise to us that she ran so well.

"Realistically, we probably weren't expecting to get that close to Karl's filly, but she's very very exciting.

"She's very talented and quick. I think she's got a bright future, and I think the Lowther is absolutely ideal for her."

The trainer also provided an update on his stable star Almaqam, who was forced to miss Royal Ascot due to quick ground conditions.

Walker said: "We're just waiting with him really. It's frustrating. There are options for him next weekend in Germany and here, but I think we're probably going to just take our foot of the gas a bit and spare him for the Autumn.

"It's frustrating but there's just no rain."