Juddmonte International: Derby hero, Desert Crown will miss York as teammates advance to Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe | Racing news
Derby hero Desert Crown will miss a potentially career-defining clash with undefeated star Baaeed at Juddmonte International in York next month as he continues his recovery from a leg injury.
Sir Michael Stoute’s Classics winner was targeted at King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco on Saturday in Ascot after Epsom but was disqualified due to “a laughing foot”.
Bruce Raymond, racing director for owner Saeed Suhail, had his sights set on Group One of August in York, where the Desert Crown was expected to meet William Haggas’ Baaeed Queen Anne Stakes winner, but those plans are. looks set to be scrapped because of fall targets at ParisLongchamp and Ascot.
Speaking on Friday, Raymond said: “He’s taking things easy at the moment and I know Sir Michael won’t be preparing him for York.
“Other than that, we’ll see how things go but hopefully later he can be in something like the Arc or Champion Stakes at Ascot in October.”
Nathaniel’s son was also placed in Group 1 of the Irish Stakes Championship at Leopardstown in September.
King George on Sky Sports Racing: Beckett dreams of Westover possibly joining Ascot’s greats
Coming in third after the Desert Crown at Epsom is by Ralph Beckett Westoverwho is set to compete in favorites for King George on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Racing, following his win in the Irish Derby last time out.
Emily Upjohn was due to the competition in Irish Oaks last weekend after her narrow loss to Oaks in Epsom, but commuting problems caused her to miss her trip to Curragh.
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Coach John Gosden says weights will prioritize three-year-olds lining up in King George tomorrow at Ascot
As a result, Frankie Dettori’s mount joins her illustrious stablemate Mishriffwho came in second behind Adayar in last year’s King George and proved he’s as good as ever when he was confronted by Vadeni during the Eclipse three weeks ago.
James Doyle teamed up with Mishriff for the first time, replacing Prince Faisal’s former helm, David Egan.
German Raider Torquator Tassoa shock winner of last year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, adding international spice to the field of six strong.
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German Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 80/1 winner Torquator Tasso arrives in Ascot on Saturday looking to cause another huge disappointment in King George, live on Sky Sports Racing
Aidan O’Brien, who previously won gold in the one-and-a-half mile race with Galileo (2001), Dylan Thomas (2007), Duke Of Marmalade (2008) and Highland Reel (2016), this year is based on Broomewho won Hardwicke Stakes over both course and distance in his latest appearance.
Small but selective pitch completed by star stable of William Muir and Chris Grassick Pyledriverwho found Hukum too strong when defending his crown in the Epsom Cup last month.
With his regular driver Martin Dwyer sidelined through injury, and Dettori, who has been in the table the last two times, unavailable, PJ McDonald will take over.
