Kryptos to miss Cambridgeshire as Berry plays it safe with stable star

Kryptos, who had propelled himself into the picture for next weekend’s Betfred Cambridgeshire in recent weeks, will miss the contest due to a minor setback.

Trained by John Berry for owner Tony Fordham, Kryptos had been a general 16-1 shot for the Cambridgeshire after winning three of his five starts this season, the latest two in impressive fashion at Thirsk and Doncaster under apprentice Nicola Currie.

However, Berry detected some heat in the front left leg of Kryptos when feeding him on Friday night and, after consulting with his vet, decided to call time on the progressive three-year-old's season.

“While he is 100 per cent sound and is only showing minimal signs of any problem, [our vet] and I share the opinion that, while there is nothing there at present which ought to interfere with his racing career next year and beyond, it would be unwise to run him again this season,” Berry said in a statement on Saturday.

“While it would be very tempting to run Kryptos, no race is worth taking an unnecessary risk with a horse's long-term future and welfare. Consequently, after discussion with his owner Tony Fordham, we have decided Kryptos will begin his winter holiday straightaway.”

Tremendous season

Kryptos has proved a star for Berry this season, overcoming a serious colic earlier in the year to rocket to a handicap mark of 100 from a starting point of 78.

The trainer added: “We've been immensely privileged to have Kryptos in the stable this season. God willing we can look forward to welcoming him back for a fruitful campaign in 2018.”

Thundering Blue, an impressive winner at Sandown last time, heads the betting for the Newmarket contest at 10-1.