Emily Upjohn Will Not Run in Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot

Emily Upjohn , who had been a general even-money favorite for the Ribblesdale Stakes (G2), will miss the June 16 race for fillies at Royal Ascot.

The Tattersalls Musidora Stakes (G3) winner was narrowly denied by Tuesday  in a Cazoo Oaks (G1) epic and had been well fancied to return to winning ways at Ascot, but connections said on Monday that the race would come too soon.

"Obviously she got left a long way and then went widest of all in the Oaks," said co-trainer John Gosden. "We feel Royal Ascot is coming too soon, and she will be freshened up for targets at the end of July in either the Irish Oaks or the King George."

While the Gosdens will not be represented in the Ribblesdale, Thursday could still be a big day for the yard with Stradivarius  bidding to regain his Gold Cup (G1) crown.

Reach For The Moon  could also aim for a landmark win for the Queen during her Platinum Jubilee year in the Hampton Court Stakes (G3) later on the card.

In Emily Upjohn's absence, Sea Silk Road  is the new 7-4 Ribblesdale favorite for Tom Marquand and William Haggas, while Musidora runner-up Life Of Dreams  is also in contention.

Magical Lagoon  could lead a strong team from Ireland for trainer Jessica Harrington. She was last seen finishing a narrow runner-up to Oaks fourth-place finisher Concert Hall  in the Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F Salsabil Stakes in April.

Emily Upjohn is likely to remain in training as a 4-year-old after it was revealed that Watership Down Stud had purchased a 50% stake in her.

She will now run under the stud's owner Lady Lloyd-Webber and husband Andrew's name, alongside original owners Jon and Cyril Shack's Tactful Finance and Stuart Roden.

"We're absolutely thrilled to have bought into such an exciting filly at this stage of her career," Lady Lloyd-Webber said. "She's an absolutely stunning filly and the plan is very much for her to stay in training next year.

"We're also thrilled to be part of this new partnership with Jon, Cyril, and Stuart, who are fantastic enthusiasts."