£1.1m Frankel colt Ancient Egypt “could be the real deal”

Charlie Johnston believes Ancient Egypt “could be the real deal” after he remained unbeaten at Goodwood on Sunday.

The Frankel colt cost 1,100,000 guineas as a yearling and after impressing on debut at Beverley last month, looked to face some useful opposition as he attempted to carry a penalty to success in the British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes on the Sussex Downs.

Sent off 11-4 in the hands of Rowan Scott, he produced a professional display, racing prominently and knuckling down well in the closing stages to not only repel his rivals but suggest a bright future lies ahead.

Johnston is already dreaming of what the Amo Racing-owned colt could achieve when reaching his peak next season, but for the meantime could allow Ancient Egypt to continue climbing the pyramid in Newmarket’s Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes on September 27.

“It’s a bit of an overused phrase, but it’s never easy to give away a penalty in novice race,” said the Middleham trainer.

“I felt he needed more experience before he went up in grade and he’s a bit of a playboy, as you saw in the stalls he had a bit of a go and also while saddling, so mentally he’s still quite immature.

“I think there is a lot of improvement still to come and he’s a very exciting horse for next year in particular.

“He’s well-entered and all of our eyes will probably turn to the Royal Lodge next which looks an obvious place to go. But we’ll need to be confident it is the right thing for the horse and we’ll see how he comes out of this and progresses at home.

“I would be very keen not to over-face him too much this year with a view to next year because I do think he could be the real deal, but if we think he is ready he could reappear in the Royal Lodge.”

Earlier on the card, Tribal Chief (15-2) booked his ticket to Newmarket’s bet365 Cambridgeshire on the same afternoon as the Royal Lodge after notching a welcome local success for David Menuisier in the Virgin Bet A Good Bet Handicap.