Katie Midwinter's top tips: Wisdom makes sense in feature

Course-and-distance winner BEFORE MIDNIGHT, now 5lb lower than when a respectable sixth in the Red Rum Handicap Chase at Aintree in April, runs off a mark of 135 with 7lb claimer Ben Sutton aboard.

The ten-year-old gelding made his debut for his new yard at Chepstow recently, finishing fourth over hurdles on heavy ground. The return to a sounder surface over fences should see him to better effect, and his previous course form gives him an advantage over his rivals.

A recent recruit for Fergal O’Brien, whose yard is in good order, Before Midnight holds promising each-way claims off a low mark and may be overlooked.

Godolphin colt ANCIENT WISDOM has shown plenty of promise in his four runs and was deserving of a first stakes success when landing the Group Three Autumn Stakes at Newmarket recently.

The son of Dubawi had recorded two wins in novice company before finishing third in an exceptional renewal of the Listed Pat Eddery Stakes, in which a number of high-class colts have emerged, including winner Rosallion, who subsequently won the Group One Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere.

Runner-up Al Musmak went on to win a Listed prize at Haydock before placing ahead of Capulet, second to Diego Velazquez at Leopardstown, in the Royal Lodge Stakes, while the fourth, fifth and sixth have all gone on to win black-type races of their own, with sixth-placed Sunway claiming a Group One at Saint-Cloud last week.

With the form of his only defeat having been franked multiple times already, plus effectiveness on soft ground and stamina-laden pedigree, Ancient Wisdom is taken to enhance his a Classic claims.

Representing a Charlie Appleby yard currently performing at a 56% strike-rate, the €2 million yearling purchase is fancied to provide his trainer with a first Futurity Trophy Stakes victory.

The Shane Ryder-trained gelding BALLYADAM DESTINY has slipped to a hurdling mark of 114 with 3lb claimer Daniel King aboard.

The nine-year-old thrives in softer going and conditions should suit perfectly on his season opener at Galway. This is a competitive heat that features recent winner West Is Awake, as well as the ever-consistent Buddy One and Welsh-raider Lord Snootie, but Ballyadam Destiny is well-handicapped and is capable of at least making the frame in this 2m 6f contest.