William Buick wobbles at start then steers Wise Approach to Middle Park Stakes win

William Buick and Wise Approach almost parted company in the opening strides of the Group One Middle Park Stakes, but the 11-8 favourite survived his early stumble and then quickened impressively in the final quarter-mile to reel in Brussels and Coppull for a three-quarter length success.

“I did say to William: ‘Put him there on the line today’,” said Charlie Appleby, Wise Approach’s trainer. “It was a great ride, just to stay on board, and thankfully he got back on an even keel. William said [beforehand] ‘I just want one clear shot at it’, and I was glad they raced where they did down the centre because it gave him every option.”

Appleby believes Wise Approach will be more of a sprinter than a miler next season and his latest Middle Park Stakes winner is unlikely to race again at two.

George Boughey’s Bow Echo, though, looks like a serious Classic candidate after showing a fine turn of foot to win the Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes over the 2,000 Guineas track and trip earlier on the card, while Aidan O’Brien’s True Love is 12-1 (from 25-1) for next year’s 1,000 Guineas after her success in the Group One Cheveley Park Stakes. True Love’s stamina for a mile could be tested as early as next month as she is a 7-2 shot for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies’ Turf at Del Mar on 31 October.