DONCASTER PREVIEW: Charlie Appleby backs Ancient Wisdom to rise to the challenge in the Kameko Futurity Trophy – but a question mark looms over morning inspection

• William Buick-ridden colt is the favourite for the season’s final Group One race 
• Appleby stressed that conditions weren’t concerning for the son of Dubawi 
• Ancient Wisdom’s only defeat this season came in July’s Pat Eddery Stakes

Trainer Charlie Appleby has backed Ancient Wisdom to cope with the demanding conditions in the Kameko Futurity Trophy, provided Doncaster passes a 7.30am inspection. 

The William Buick-ridden colt, supplemented to the line-up for £17,500 on Monday, has been backed into favouritism for the final Group One race of the British Flat season on the back of a decisive success in the Group Three Autumn Stakes at Newmarket a fortnight ago. 

That was a marked step up for the son of Dubawi, who had previously raced on faster ground. 

Appleby said: ‘The conditions aren’t a concern. It will bring his stamina out. It was soft when he won the Autumn Stakes and he looked like he appreciated it that day. 

‘I do feel the ground was a contributing factor to his performance. James Doyle said when he rode him in the spring at Haydock (on good to firm ground) that he wasn’t enjoying himself. 

Ancient Wisdom is preparing to go for glory in the Kameko Futurity Trophy at Doncaster

Trainer Charlie Appleby has tipped conditions to be manageable for the son of Dubawi 

‘He is so well for a summer break so backing him up two weeks after his last race is not a concern.’ 

Ancient Wisdom’s only defeat this season came in the Pat Eddery Stakes at Ascot in July, when third to Rosallion, subsequent winner of the Prix Jean-Luc Legardere at Longchamp with today’s opponent Dancing Gemini in fifth. 

It has been a difficult season for Appleby but he is ending it strongly with 10 winners from his last 18 runners. He has never won the Futurity Trophy, a race which has been dominated by Aidan O’Brien. 

The Irishman’s challenge is headed by Diego Velazquez, ridden by Doyle because Ryan Moore is suspended. 

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