Ancient Wisdom back in business with G3 Bahrain Trophy success

Ancient Wisdom posted the first victory of his three-year-old campaign and enhanced his St Leger claims when making all in the G3 Bahrain Trophy at Newmarket, UK, on Thursday, 11 July.

The Dubawi colt won the G3 Emirates Autumn Stakes and G1 Futurity Trophy during a superb autumn but had yet to reach similar heights on quicker ground this term in the G2 Dante Stakes and G1 Derby.

Sent on into a length and a half lead by William Buick after a furlong, Ancient Wisdom started to wind up the pace half a mile out. His three rivals were unable to get on terms with the Charlie Appleby-trained runner, who found plenty in front to prevail by a length and three-quarters.

Charlie Appleby said: “We were quietly confident with Ancient Wisdom. He was the class horse in the race and got the ground today that he relishes. He takes it to a different level in slower conditions.

“We felt that the step up to a mile and five furlongs was always going to suit and the plan from here is to head to the G2 Great Voltigeur, providing the ground is on the right side of good. If it’s not, we will plan a route straight to the St Leger.”

William Buick added: “Ancient Wisdom was very happy being in front. This was the first time this year that I did not have to put him under any pressure through the race. In the Dante, I looked after him, and the Derby is the Derby – never an easy race.

“Today he was able to do it in his own time, rhythm and comfort zone. He just kept building away and is an incredibly straightforward, honest horse. The step up in trip was a question mark, but you would have to be delighted with the way he did it.

“You would like to think he has put himself in the St Leger picture now. Although today was not an out-and-out stamina test, I thought he stayed well enough.”