A small but intriguing renewal of the John Porter, with several progressive 4-y-os reappearing and a pace setup that could prove pivotal. With a weak early gallop forecast, tactical nous and proven stamina could be decisive, especially among the better-positioned runners.


—

Strongest Contender – ANCIENT WISDOM (TFR 128)

Charlie Appleby’s colt gets the nod as the likeliest winner. Lightly raced and upwardly mobile, he took the Bahrain Trophy last summer before finishing a strong third in the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Bayern in Germany, shaping like a horse with more to offer over this trip. Timeform call him a “good-topped colt” and note his ability to handle both extremes of going, which is a big plus at this time of year.

His profile suggests he could be the classic Godolphin Group horse maturing into something smarter as a 4-y-o, and Appleby’s record early season (28% strike rate) adds confidence. The weak pace could play to his advantage with Buick likely to keep him handy.


—

Main Dangers

SUNWAY (TFR 127)

Timeform call him a “useful-looking colt” who was second in the Irish Derby and promoted third in the St Leger — arguably the best single piece of form on offer. He’s the class act here but may need a stronger pace than he’s likely to get today. A tongue tie remains on, and he’s entitled to be fresh, but will need to be delivered just right.

BELLUM JUSTUM (TFR 122)

A solid performer who ended last year with a Grade 3 win in the U.S., and Timeform note he “didn’t need to improve” to land it — suggesting there may still be more in the tank. From a red-hot Andrew Balding yard, and jockey James Doyle is a solid match. Could be the one to pick up pieces late if he’s tactically positioned well.

DALLAS STAR (TFR 118)

A bit of a wild card — won the Ballysax last season and looked sharp on the AW return. Timeform highlight he “did too much too soon” last time at Naas. If he relaxes better in a slowly-run race, he’s got more ability than his current rating suggests.


—

Others Briefly

TABLETALK (TFR 122): Useful staying handicapper, but didn’t cut it when stepping up in class last time.

DIVINA GRACE (TFR 119): Timeform notes she was “unsuited by drop in trip” last out; now back up to her best distance, but faces tougher opposition and gives weight as a mare.

FEIGNING MADNESS (TFR 112p): Still open to improvement, lightly raced and from the Beckett yard — notably, Ralph has won 2 of the last 10 runnings of this race. Could out-run odds if the race turns into a dash.



—

Trainer Notes

Charlie Appleby (Ancient Wisdom): 27% over 10f+, 28% early-season strike rate. Yard excels with lightly-raced 4-y-os.

Ralph Beckett (Feigning Madness): 2 wins in last 10 editions. Yard knows how to target this.

Andrew Balding (Bellum Justum, Divina Grace): In excellent current form and has another strong team lining up here.



—

Summary (TimeWise View)

Top Selection: ANCIENT WISDOM – improving, top stable, proven stamina, and best placed to handle a tactical race.

Main Dangers: Sunway (proven Group 1 ability, if pace suits), Bellum Justum (tactically smart), Dallas Star (underrated if he settles).

Watch For: Feigning Madness if the Beckett trend strikes again in a muddling race.