Foot abscess forces Royal Ascot favourite Bay Bridge out of King Edward VII

Bay Bridge, the exciting Sir Michael Stoute-trained favourite for next Friday's King Edward VII Stakes, will miss Royal Ascot after sustaining a setback.

An impressive four-length victory in Newbury's London Gold Cup – traditionally one of the season's most informative three-year-olds' handicaps – had led to him being quoted at between 11-4 and 7-2 for what would have been an elevation to Group 2 company.

A foot abscess has caused an interruption to his programme but owner James Wigan is looking forward to a return to action for his New Bay homebred, whose potential was highlighted last month when he received a €3,500 entry in the Irish Champion Stakes.

Bay Bridge powers clear in the London Gold CupCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He won't be going to Ascot," said Wigan. "We don't yet know when he'll be running again and plans are not finalised. He looks like a nice horse and it hopefully shouldn't be too long before he's back, though."

Wigan will still have a significant interest in the royal meeting through his role as racing manager to owner George Strawbridge, whose French-based unbeaten filly Suesa is generally 5-1 second favourite behind American raider Campanelle for the Commonwealth Cup.

Trainer Francois Rohaut has produced Suesa to easily win two Group 3 contest this season, with Olivier Peslier in the saddle on both occasions. However, with Peslier having on Friday abandoned hopes to be at Royal Ascot due to current Covid travel regulations, William Buick has been booked for the ride.

Suesa at Francois Rohaut's training base in PauCredit: Ecurie Rohaut

Wigan said: "It's difficult to assess her chance because due to the lack of travelling at the moment there are very few formlines between the French and British horses. She certainly seems to be the best sprinter in France, but how she compares with the British and Irish horses, I don't know.

"She obviously hasn't done anything wrong yet and I don't think the ground we're likely to get at Ascot will be a problem, given that her last win at Chantilly came on quite quick ground."

The Strawbridge-owned Indigo Girl, last seen finishing second in the Fillies' Mile at Newmarket, holds entries next week in Friday's Coronation Stakes and the Prix de Diane Longines, staged two days later.

Wigan added: "I'm not sure whether she'll run here or in France but right now I would say Ascot is doubtful her."

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