Connections of Guarantee remain optimistic for the future despite the colt's slightly disappointing display in the Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster.
The William Haggas-trained three-year-old ran with immense promise when second on his racecourse introduction at Windsor in mid-June, after which he notched up three victories, completing the hat-trick with a most impressive display in the Melrose Stakes at York.
The manner of that success was enough to convince connections to let him take on the Triple Crown-seeking Camelot on Town Moor, but like the hot favourite, he was inconvenienced by the steady pace.
Guarantee was a never-nearer seventh behind shock winner Encke, but Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, is already excited about seeing the youngster develop into a high-class stayer next term.
"He came out of the race absolutely fine. Obviously things didn't work out as we'd hoped, we gave it a go but the slow pace was completely against him," said Herbert.
"He ran on nicely without being knocked around in the straight and that's him finished for the year now.
"We'll put him away and, hopefully, we have a really exciting Cup horse to look forward to next season.
"He didn't run until June and has had a busy time since, so he'll have a nice break and hopefully he can continue to improve."
