Quorto steps up in style for Godolphin to advertise Classic claims

Quorto had the layers inking in Classic prices after Godolphin's homebred maiden winner took the step up to Group 2 company in his stride.

But the Dubawi colt's impressive defeat of Ballydoyle's Cape Of Good Hope in the bet6365-backed Superlative Stakes divided bookmaker opinion.

Betway initially went 28-1 for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas before halving that, while bet365, Sky Bet and BoyleSports quoted 12-1. Betfair Sportsbook were content to offer 20-1, while Quorto was 10-1 second favourite in a place, the market headed by Coventry winner Calyx at a general 5-1.

While the race rarely unveils a Group 1 star – although last year's Aidan O'Brien-trained winner Gustav Klimt has manfully featured at that level this year and was clear favourite for the Guineas after his Superlative triumph – there was no doubting connections see Quarto going all the way to the top.

Quorto - William Buick winsThe bet365 Superlative Stakes (Group 2) Newmarket 14/7/2018©cranhamphoto.comCredit: Mark Cranham

Olympic Glory, the 2012 winner, was the last to go on to Group 1 success in a distinguished career.

Quorto's chance at the top level could come in Ireland at the Curragh in September in the Goffs Vincent O'Brien National Stakes, in which he could meet Coventry runner-up and July Stakes winner Advertise.

Winning trainer Charlie Appleby, who took this race with Boynton two years ago, said: "He's in the Gimcrack and National Stakes. I don't see any reason to come back in trip, so we'll look more to the National."

Quorto certainly has a standout pedigree, being by Darley ace Dubawi out of Volume, a Listed winner who was third in the English and Irish Oaks in 2014.

Appleby added: "He's always shown a lot of pace for a horse I felt on pedigree next year and beyond would be suited by a mile and beyond."

Watch the bet365 Superlative Stakes replay here, with full result and analysis

William Buick settled Quorto behind the front-running Cape Of Good Hope before asking him to join issue heading into the final two furlongs, just as Neverland Rock attacked the other side of the O'Brien runner.

Quorto asserted on hitting the rising ground to get favourite backers off to a good start as the 5-4 market leader, after 3-1 was available overnight.

The margin was three and three-quarters lengths but could have been more as Cape Of Good Hope rallied to overhaul Neverland Rock in the final 100 yards.

Neverland Rock, who travelled strongly up the rail through the race, looked a big danger going to the final furlong before his run faltered.

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