Skellet taken out of 1,000 Guineas as big guns stand their ground for next month's Newmarket Classics

Exciting filly Skellet was a notable absentee after the latest scratchings stage on Tuesday for next month's Qipco 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket.

The Ralph Beckett-trained runner was a 16-1 chance to prevail in the fillies' Classic on May 5 but was among 15 scratchings.

A Kingman half-sister to the talented Skitter Scatter, Skellet was last seen finishing a close second in the Group 3 Oh So Sharp Stakes at Newmarket in October.

Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby whittled down his potential team to two, taking out 25-1 chances Devoted Queen and Romantic Style.

Devoted Queen was unbeaten in two starts having followed up a Newmarket maiden win at Kempton, while Romantic Style was successful in Deauville's Prix Imprudence this month.

Kaleidoscope, as short as 33-1 for the 1,000 Guineas, is also out. 

In the colts' Classic, the Group 1 winner Sunway was a notable omission from the line-up. The David Menuisier-trained Criterium International winner disappointed when beaten at odds-on at Longchamp on his return.

God's Window – a 33-1 chance for John and Thady Gosden – is also out. He was third in the Group 1 Futurity Trophy last season before winning easily in a novice stakes on his seasonal return.

Aidan O'Brien, responsible for odds-on favourite City Of Troy, took out Henry Adams, Johannes Brahms, The Liffey and Unquestionable. He has four left in the race.

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