Charlie Appleby is considering entering Ancient Wisdom, the winner of last season's Doncaster Futurity, in the Qipco 2000 Guineas as a preliminary step towards competing in the Betfred Derby. Appleby, the trainer based at Moulton Paddocks, believes that the Newmarket Classic, where Aidan O'Brien's City Of Troy is the favoured contender, is a more appealing option than the longer Dante Stakes in York. This decision would provide Ancient Wisdom, who is the offspring of Dubawi, with an opportunity to test his abilities for the Epsom race in early June.
Appleby explained, "Ancient Wisdom triumphed in the Futurity under very soft ground conditions and has been highly regarded since the early stages of his career. After his defeat at Ascot, he exhibited physical progress, which is expected from a horse sired by Dubawi."
Appleby has reservations about the proximity of the Dante Stakes to Epsom and added, "The Guineas may potentially have slow ground, and we will assess that possibility, considering that a mile and a half might be his strong suit. If I wait for York and encounter soft ground, there will be limited time remaining until the Derby to rectify any issues that may arise, making it a more challenging path to pursue."
Appleby also provided an update on Dance Sequence, an unbeaten filly bound for Classic races. He stated, "Dance Sequence has been progressing well. William Buick recently rode her and was extremely pleased. We intend to take her to the Nell Gwyn Stakes and subsequently to the English Guineas."