Charlie Johnston admitted it could be hard to resist the temptation to send Ancient Egypt to the Breeders’ Cup if successful in the Canadian International on Saturday.
The Frankel colt is yet to add to his JCB Newmarket Stakes success this season despite solid efforts in defeat. After failing to handle soft ground in the Derby, Ancient Egypt was beaten a neck in the King Edward VII Stakes.
He was met with another agonising defeat in the Grand Prix de Paris when beaten a head by Maltese Cross. He couldn’t justify favouritism in Grade 1 company at Saratoga, but Charlie Johnston is happy to send him travelling for a belated return to the winners enclosure.
Charlie Johnston told Sporting Life: “He missed the break a little bit at Saratoga. But he just didn’t have that speed in the first 100 yards to get into a good position. If there was one place I didn’t want to be with a circuit to run was last on the rail. It is a very tight track there. Once he was on the back foot in a slowly-run race, poorly positioned and over-racing a little bit, I knew it was going to be tough. But he wasn’t beaten far.
“We toyed with the idea of going to Ireland for the Kilternan Stakes. But we decided against that and instead headed for this as it became clear this was the obvious race. He landed over there on Friday and it’s all systems go.
“He is a very exciting horse for next year” – Charlie Johnston
Despite not having the rub of the green thus far, Johnston is adamant Ancient Egypt can capture Group 1 honours. He was admittedly downhearted after the Saratoga effort, but was more upbeat regarding his chances at Woodbine.
Regarding the future, Johnston added: “Were he to win it would be too tempting not to stay out there and go for the Breeders’ Cup.
“My concern with that would be that it would be going back to a Saratoga-style track. W here early pace and tactical speed are the most crucial weapons, and they probably aren’t his strengths. If he did win next weekend it would be job done and roll-the-dice territory.”
Charlie Johnston confirmed Ancient Egypt will be in training with him next season, with lofty targets ahead: “It is very much the plan for him to be with me next year. All being well we can look at the King George, Hardwicke and Coronation Cup with him. He is a very exciting horse for next year.”