Telescope will not run in the Betfred Dante Stakes at York on Thursday
Leading Investec Derby contender Telescope will not run in the Betfred Dante Stakes at York on Thursday.
Last Updated: 14/05/13 11:07am
Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, the Galileo colt went into winter quarters as a leading fancy for Classic honours on the back of a maiden win at Newmarket in September.
His only other start as a juvenile came when a promising second to Snow King on debut at Ascot earlier that month.
However, he was not among the eight runners declared at the 48-hour stage for the Knavesmire feature after picking up a minor infection which has developed in grazes on two of his legs, picked up when he was being loaded onto a horsebox.
Harry Herbert, racing manager to owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, said: "It's obviously very disappointing, particularly for all of his owners, that Telescope cannot run in the Dante on Thursday.
"Sir Michael couldn't give him anti-inflammatories as it was too close to the Dante and unfortunately we have discovered through a blood test that the grazes have become infected. We are hoping that he will still make it to the Investec Derby and Sir Michael is hoping to give him a racecourse gallop in preparation. "
Telescope's syndicate of owners include retiring Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Another of Highclere's syndicates will be represented in the Dante by Greatwood, who was a late withdrawal from Saturday's Lingfield Derby Trial because of the rain-softened ground.