Unbeaten Ancient Truth 10-1 for 2,000 Guineas and 'will get better and better' after impressing in Superlative Stakes

Ancient Truth has yet to be beaten in his career after adding the bet365 Superlative Stakes to his haul at Newmarket, and yet ominously those closest to him think there is much more to come.

Trainer Charlie Appleby, who has routinely used this Group 2 contest as a stepping stone to bigger things for his better two-year-old colts, awarded the winner an eight out of ten for the one-and-a-half-length victory over Seagulls Eleven.

Jockey William Buick, who has ridden four of Appleby’s five Superlative Stakes winners, backed up the assessment of the trainer by reasoning that the duo's most recent scorer will only get “better and better”.

Twice a winner already at Newmarket, Ancient Truth had been favourite to win again even before the field was depleted by The Parthenon, Pentle Bay and Pap’s Turf being withdrawn.

In their absence, Ancient Truth was sent off at 4-6. His life was made a little more challenging than it might have been by the muddling pace of the race, but it was more of an inconvenience than a major worry.

“I’m pleased,” Appleby said. “Marks out of ten? What would you give him? Probably an eight. I think the stronger the gallop the better and I’m pretty sure Will will come in and say they weren’t going quick enough for me. There wasn’t any pace in the race and I said to Will, go and ride him like a good horse because he either is or he isn’t. I think there will be some marked improvement from that.”

Ancient Truth and William Buick win the Superlative StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Betfair shortened Ancient Truth to 10-1 (from 16) for the Betfred 2,000 Guineas and Appleby was inclined to think that Classic, rather than the Betfred Derby, would be the best long-term target.

Before then, Appleby said Ancient Truth was likely to follow the same route as his previous Superlative Stakes winners Quorto, Master Of The Seas and Native Trail in heading for the Group 1 Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes at the Irish Champions Festival.

He said: “I think this horse will get a mile for sure and is probably more of a Guineas horse [than a Derby horse]. I’d say we’ll have a look at the National Stakes next.”

Having been required to wait and switch to get a clear run, Buick gathered Ancient Truth together running through the Dip and settled the contest on the run to the half-furlong pole. In command, Ancient Truth wandered around a little in front but the result was never in doubt.

“It was what we were hoping to see,” Buick said. “It wasn’t made easy for him because he was in a pocket and he had to come back and round and quicken up. I thought it was a nice performance. 

“Hopefully, he can follow in the footsteps of Charlie’s other winners. He’s a horse I believe will only get better and better.”

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