Charlie Appleby believes softer ground in the Betfred Derby will play into the hands of his runner Ancient Wisdom.
Ancient Wisdom was beaten six lengths by Economics in the Dante at York on good ground that was not in the favour of the Dubawi colt.
The Godolphin-owned three-year-old has shown a liking for cut in the ground when winning the Group Three Autumn Stakes at Newmarket before stepping up in class to win the Group One Futurity Trophy just two weeks later on heavy ground at Doncaster.
Appleby, who saddled Derby winners with Masar in 2018 and Adayar in 2021, likes what he has seen coming out of that race on the Knavesmire and feels he has a real chance with the weather in his favour on the Surrey Downs.
The in-form Appleby has already enjoyed Classic glory this season after Notable Speech landed the 2000 Guineas – and celebrated more Group One success over the weekend with Rebel’s Romance impressing in the Champions and Chater Cup in Hong Kong over the weekend.
“He’s a past Group One winner in the Futurity Stakes at Doncaster in very soft conditions we know there were that day,” Appleby said in a video update posted on Godolphin’s X page.
“I was happy with his reappearance in the Dante. There was a very good winner (Economics), but I felt this horse was going to show plenty of improvement there with all the right signs since.
“He relishes the slower ground and the forecast being potentially the way it is he will hopefully encounter that on Saturday. Therefore it will enhance his chances.
“William (Buick) sat on him this morning and the whole team are delighted with the way the horse has progressed from his first start as a three-year-old there in the Dante to where we are today.
“We’ve got a horse there who is going to be a live contender.”
