Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Saturday's Insights features a pair of TDN Rising Stars in Ancient Wisdom and Imperial Emperor (Ire) in a couple of different Novice races at Newmarket.
13.32 Newmarket, Nov, £8,000, 2yo, 7fT
Godolphin's €2-million Arqana August acquisition ANCIENT WISDOM (FR) (Dubawi {Ire}), a son of G3 Prix Minerve victrix Golden Valentine (Fr) (Dalakhani {Ire}), makes a swift return to action having garnered a 'TDN Rising Star' badge when streaking to an impressive five-length success over seven furlongs at Haydock earlier this month. The Charlie Appleby trainee returns over the same trip here and is opposed by five in a contest the stable has annexed twice in the last three years.
14.42 Newmarket, Nov, £10,000, 3yo, 8fT
Charlie Appleby representative IMPERIAL EMPEROR (IRE) (Dubawi {Ire}), a son of GI Man O' War S. heroine Zhukova (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), is another Godolphin 'TDN Rising Star' tasked with HQ duty in his second start. The February-foaled homebred earned his moniker over this distance at the town's Rowley Mile venue in October and is the only prior winner in a field of six. His rivals include the George Boughey trainee Moonspirit (GB) (Kingman {GB}), who is an unraced half-brother to Godolphin's three-time Group 3 winner Local Time (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}).
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