Desert Crown Ruled Out of Juddmonte International

Unbeaten Cazoo Derby (G1) winner Desert Crown  has been ruled out of next month's Juddmonte International Stakes (G1) at York Racecourse.

Desert Crown became one of the hottest middle-distance properties in Europe when providing Sir Michael Stoute with his sixth Derby success last month, beating Hoo Ya Mal  and Westover , the latter then bolted up in the Tattersalls Irish Derby (G1) at the Curragh.

The 3-year-old was originally aimed at the July 23 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (G1) and was a short-priced favorite for the race but was ruled out after missing a key piece of work last Thursday due to a foot injury.

Desert Crown was then priced-up as a 7-2 shot for a blockbuster clash with Baaeed  in the Aug. 17 Juddmonte International Stakes. On his previous visit to York, he won the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes (G2) back in May.

The son of Nathaniel  is also entered in the Irish Champion Stakes (G1) at Leopardstown in September and if he does run again this year, his options could include the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) or the Qipco Champion Stakes (G1) on British Champions Day at Ascot.

Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Saeed Suhail, said: "He's taking things easy at the moment and I know Sir Michael won't be preparing him for York.

"Beyond that we'll see how things are but hopefully he could run later on in something like the Arc or the Champion Stakes at Ascot in October."

The news led to the unbeaten Baaeed hardening for what would be his first try beyond a mile in the Juddmonte, with Paddy Power now making him an odds-on shot at 10-11 from 5-4 favorite.

Spokesman Paul Binfield said: "It's a massive shame that racegoers on the Knavesmire won't get to see the much-awaited clash between Baaeed, stepping up to 10 furlongs, and Derby hero Desert Crown.

"But I remember the crowd that turned up for Frankel  and it will still be a crackerjack renewal, with the former being the highest-rated horse in the world and Mishriff could possibly be a King George winner by then."

Coral also went 10-11 from 5-4, with David Stevens from the firm adding that the trading department expected Baaeed to "take the step up in trip in his stride."

A six-length winner of the 2021 Juddmonte International, Mishriff  is following the same path to York as last year in taking in Saturday's King George at a mile and a half, and his odds to lower Baaeed's colors next month were also trimmed by most bookmakers.

Next in at 8-1 is Qatar Prix du Jockey Club (G1) and Coral-Eclipse Stakes (G1) hero Vadeni , though connections have consistently said that his next start will be the Qipco Irish Champion Stakes (G1) at Leopardstown on Sept. 10.