Godolphin’s Ancient Wisdom (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) looks likely to use the Qipco 2,000 Guineas as a stepping stone to the Betfred Derby, according to trainer Charlie Appleby.
He said, “Ancient Wisdom won the Futurity on very soft ground and has been held in high regard from very early in his career.
“After getting beaten at Ascot he progressed physically, as you would expect from a Dubawi.”
Ancient Wisdom won four of his five starts last year, landing the G3 Autumn S at Newmarket prior to his Group 1 triumph. A return to the Rowley Mile for the first Classic of the season appears the favoured option ahead of the G2 Dante S., a traditional Derby trial, which takes place at York on May 16, just over two weeks before Epsom.
Appleby continued, “It’s possible there will be slow ground for the Guineas, and we will take a look at that with the view that a mile and a half will prove his forte.
“If I waited for York and the ground was soft, there’s not much time left until Derby to put things right should they go wrong, and it would be a more ambitious route to take.”
Appleby also issued an update on the unbeaten filly Dance Sequence (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), winner of the G3 Oh So Sharp S. on her second start last season.
He said, “Dance Sequence has done well. William [Buick] sat on her the other day and was delighted. We will take her to the Nell Gwyn and then the English Guineas.”
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