Desert Crown Ruled Out of King George
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Photo: Edward Whitaker/Racing Post
Desert Crown with trainer Sir Michael Stoute after his victory in the Dante Stakes at York Racecourse
Desert Crown will not run in next weekend's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (G1) after connections ruled the Cazoo Derby In Memory of Lester Piggott (G1) winner out of the Ascot midsummer highlight on July 14.
Trained by Sir Michael Stoute for owner Saeed Suhail, Desert Crown had been set to make his first start since winning at Epsom in the July 23 King George with a potential rematch against Derby third and Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (G1) victor Westover .
However, his participation was put in doubt on Wednesday when it was revealed he had suffered a setback related to his foot, and 24 hours later connections confirmed he would miss the King George.
Speaking on Thursday evening, Bruce Raymond, racing manager to Suhail, confirmed Ascot is off the agenda. He said: "He's definitely out of the King George. I don't know the results of any of the scans today so it's only speculation, but Michael did say to me, 'I won't be able to work him so he's going to miss a bit of work and it's better to take him out.'
"The owner was happier to take him out rather than risk him and go there on firm ground when he's not 100%. If it was a lesser horse you'd probably say, 'Well, we'll take a chance' but you can't with a horse like this."
In Desert Crown's absence, Westover has been installed as the even-money favorite for the King George.