Appleby monitoring the weather at York for Ancient Wisdom

Charlie Appleby hopes to strengthen his hand for the Betfred Derby by entering seven colts in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes at York on Thursday, with Ancient Wisdom being a notable name.

The handler of Moulton Paddocks is already in charge of the second-best-priced Arabian Crown in the Derby, Ancient Wisdom, which is currently 8-1 behind Aidan O'Brien's ante-post favourite, City of Troy.

He now brings the Futurity Trophy winner from the previous year back to the track, where many future middle-distance stars make their Classic debut in the Doncaster Group One at the conclusion of the season.

Nonetheless, Appleby is hoping for a sufficient amount of ease in the Knavesmire ground.

He said: “Ancient Wisdom has enjoyed a good preparation and stepping up to an extended mile and a quarter is going to suit. The ground will be a question mark and we will want the rain to come. We know that he is a better horse with ease in the ground, so we will be on weather watch slightly. If it’s on the easy side of good, then we will look forward to seeing him run. He has wintered well and we are very happy with him.”

Roger Varian, who earlier this month refused to run Al Musmak in the 2000 Guineas, improved in the trip after displaying some clever form at two. William Haggas, meantime, makes lots of progress at York and pitches Economics into Group Two after a dominating victory at Newbury last month.

O'Brien entered three horses in the running at the halfway point, but he has chosen to depend on the strengthened Cambridge to end his losing streak in this race, which dates back to 2010.

Following their recent victory in the Newmarket Stakes, Karl Burke's Caviar Heights brings winning form to the table. Owen Burrows' War Rooms and John and Thady Gosden's God's Window round up the septet that will go to post.

In addition, Mick Appleby's Breeders' Cup hero Big Evs will compete against six opponents over five furlongs in the Listed British Stallion Studs EBF Westow Stakes on Thursday on the Knavesmire.