Ribblesdale favourite Emily Upjohn ruled out of Royal Ascot by John Gosden

Emily Upjohn, who had been a general even-money favourite for Thursday's Ribblesdale Stakes (3.40), will miss the fillies' Group 2 at Royal Ascot.

The Musidora Stakes winner was narrowly denied by Tuesday in an Oaks epic and had been well fancied to return to winning ways at Ascot, but connections said on Monday the race would come too soon.

Joint-trainer John Gosden said: "Obviously she got left a long way and then went widest of all in the Oaks.

"We feel Royal Ascot is coming too soon and she will be freshened up for targets at the end of July in either the Irish Oaks or the King George."

While the Gosdens will not be represented in the Ribblesdale, Thursday could still be a big day for the yard with Stradivarius bidding to regain his Ascot Gold Cup crown (4.20).

Thursday could still be a major day for the Gosden stable with the likes of Gold Cup contender StradivariusCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Reach For The Moon could also aim for a landmark win for the Queen during her Platinum Jubilee year in the Hampton Court Stakes (5.35) later on the card.

In Emily Upjohn's absence, Sea Silk Road is the new 7-4 Ribblesdale favourite for Tom Marquand and William Haggas, while Musidora second Life Of Dreams is also in contention.

Magical Lagoon could lead a strong team from Ireland for trainer Jessica Harrington. She was last seen finishing a narrow runner-up to Oaks fourth Concert Hall in the Listed Salsabil Stakes in April.

Ownership change

Emily Upjohn is likely to remain in training as a four-year-old after it was revealed that Watership Down Stud had purchased a 50 per cent stake in her.

She will now run under the stud's owner Lady Lloyd-Webber and husband Andrew's name, alongside original owners Jon and Cyril Shack's Tactful Finance and Stuart Roden.

"We’re absolutely thrilled to have bought into such an exciting filly at this stage of her career," Lady Lloyd-Webber said. "She's an absolutely stunning filly and the plan is very much for her to stay in training next year.

"We're also thrilled to be part of this new partnership with
Jon, Cyril and Stuart, who are fantastic enthusiasts.”

Ribblesdale Stakes (3.40 Thursday)

William Hill: 7-4 Sea Silk Road, 7-2 Life Of Dreams, Magical Lagoon, 8 History, Mukaddamah, Tranquil Lady, 20 bar

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