Middle Park Stakes report and replay: Wise Approach survives scare

Those who had backed the 11/8 favourite would have hard their hearts in their mouths as he stumbled two strides after the stalls opened having clipped heels but William Buick bided his time.

He made his challenge on the far side of the field as the strong-travelling Brussels (9/1) and Coppull (7/1) joined battle on the other flank and really found his stride inside the final furlong.

Charlie Appleby’s charge stretched out well to score by three-quarters-of-a-length and earn a 20/1 quote from Paddy Power and Sky Bet for the Betfred 2000 Guineas.

Brussels got the better of the battle for second by a short-head.

Appleby said: “We never expected to stumble (coming out of the stalls), but the plan was to drop in. I felt in the Morny that William gave him a great ride, but I did feel that when he gave him the kick he was electric that day, but I did feel that the horse just pulled up in front.

“I said to William just put him on the line today. Now, he did that, but it is never easy to watch when you go across like that. Anyway, full credit to William and full credit to the horse. I’m delighted to have a juvenile like him.

"I think he has given us glimpses of it (turn of foot). At Ascot he won impressively in his maiden. Me and York just don’t go hand-in-hand, but then at Royal Ascot we said hold him up Will. Gstaad won that day, but we won the other group really as we did the same that day.

"We were learning about the horse. Obviously he has got stronger and here we are today. He is battle hardened and he is a bit more chiselled for sure (compared to his previous two winners of the race), but he is a Mehmas and he is a half-brother to a good sprinter. I’m delighted for the team.

"I’d say that is it for this year. He is very much a Commonwealth Cup horse for next year and we will stick to Plan A.”

Aidan O’Brien said of Brussels: “We were very happy. He is a big, strong fast horse and we were delighted with that run. He did look good the first time out, but he has been a bit babyish and he was babyish again today. I think it will come, but he is very big.

"I think all the experience he is getting this year will stand him in good stead for next year, but I’d say he is not slow as he is not short of speed. I’d imagine we will leave him alone now.

“I don’t think the tongue tie made much difference. The tongue tie makes them focus a little bit as instead of looking for everything else around them they are thinking of the tongue tie. We will probably have a look at a Classic with him and see how it goes.”

Clive Cox was pleased with Coppull in third too adding: "He has run a wonderful race and he has backed up the display he put up in the Richmond. I’m very proud of him and I think we can all look forward to next year with a lot of hope and confidence that he is going to maintain that Group One effort.

“I thought for a moment he just got a bit unorganised in the dip briefly, but he fairly rattled home and we are very proud of him.

"I think with another winter on his back and with normal progress it will see him in the highest league next year. The Commonwealth Cup would be an aim. He is just a joy to train and hopefully he can build on the promise he has shown this year.”

More from Sporting Life

• Racecards
• Fast results
• Full results and free video replays
• Horse racing news
• Horse racing tips
• Horse racing features
• Download our free iOS and Android app
• Football and other sports tips
• Podcasts and video content

Safer gambling

We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.

Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.