Desert Crown looks set to miss the remainder of the season

Dubai Sheema Classic targeted for start of four-year-old campaign.

Derby winner Desert Crown is unlikely to run again this season, with the Dubai Sheema Classic in 2023 the major aim for early in his four-year-old campaign.

Sir Michael Stoute worked wonders in getting the Nathaniel colt to peak in time for the premier Classic, having had just one juvenile run before returning to action in the Dante Stakes. But in preparing for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes this month he met with a setback.

While connections are keen to stress it is not serious, the fact August is just days away and Desert Crown is not in full training, a tilt at either the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe or the Champion Stakes now looks remote.

Speaking to Nick Luck’s Daily Podcast owner Saeed Suhail’s racing manager Bruce Raymond said: “It’s healing well, it’s a minor injury, but enough to stop Sir Michael preparing him for the midsummer races.

“We were hoping to get him back for the backend, for the Arc or the Champion Stakes, but that’s in Sir Michael’s hands, it depends how things go.

“I must stress it is a minor injury. The difficulty is would he have time to prepare him which probably is doubtful.

“I’m 100 per cent confident he will definitely be back next year. I don’t know what the programme is, but I know Saeed would like to take him to Dubai for the Sheema Classic – that would be up to Saeed and Sir Michael.

Sir Michael Stoute after seeing Desert Crown win the Derby
Sir Michael Stoute after seeing Desert Crown win the Derby (Tim Goode/PA)

“The trouble with the Sheema Classic is while it has a lot of kudos over there, you miss so many early-season races as you have to give them a good break after it – which is OK if you win. Saeed is looking towards Dubai and I’m pretty confident he’ll get there.”

In his likely absence Coral now make the Japanese-trained Titleholder favourite for the Arc at 5-1.

“Japan have been desperately trying to win the Arc over the last couple of decades and they look to have a great chance this year. With Desert Crown now most likely out for the season, Titleholder is the new favourite for the premier middle-distance contest in Europe,” said Coral’s John Hill.

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