Derby winner Desert Crown to miss next month's Juddmonte International

Unbeaten Derby winner Desert Crown has been ruled out of next month's Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes at York.

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, especially when the latter then bolted up in the Irish Derby at the Curragh.

The three-year-old was originally aimed at the Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes at Ascot on Saturday (3.35) and was a short-priced favourite 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 Juddmonte International Stakes on August 17. On his previous visit to York, he won the Group 2 Dante Stakes back in May.

The son of Nathaniel is also entered in the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown in September and if he does run again this year, his options could include the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe or the Qipco Champion Stakes 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."

Baaeed is scheduled to take in the Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood next Wednesday en route to the Juddmonte International at YorkCredit: Alex Livesey (Getty Images)

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 favourite.

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 ten 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 colours next month were also trimmed by most bookmakers.

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

Juddmonte International Stakes (3.35 York, August 17)

Paddy Power: 10-11 Baaeed, 3-1 Mishriff, 8 Vadeni, 12 State Of Rest, 14 My Prospero, Real World, 16 bar

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