Tac De Boistron has finished a close second to Gospel Choir in the Yorkshire Cup to reinforce his credentials for the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.

The Marco Botti-trained gelding returned to Europe after a Melbourne Cup preparation for Mick Kent in 2012 when he failed to handle firm tracks.

"The Gold Cup is the priority, but we would want cut in the ground, ideally," Botti said.

"There is also the Irish St Leger later in the season and then back to France for the Cadran and the Royal-Oak."

The winner, who is trained by Sir Michael Stoute, does not hold an entry in the Gold Cup with the Hardwicke Stakes the preferred destination.

"That was a very good horse he's beaten, albeit he was getting 4lb from him," Stoute said.

"What's very important to him is the ground, he doesn't want bad ground.

"I'd think the Hardwicke would be favourite."

The Gold Cup is an option for Tiger Cliff who stayed on determinedly to finish a close third.