Racing: Damson, ante-post favourite for Sunday's UltimatePoker.com 1,000 Guineas, has been ruled out of the race having scoped badly after working at Newmarket yesterday.
The David Wachman-trained filly, who travelled from Ireland last week to complete her preparations, was as short as 3 to 1 for the mile Classic. Wachman said: "Obviously it's disappointing for all concerned but it's not the end of the world and hopefully we will have her back in time for the Irish 1,000."
Damson had been a warm order for the Guineas through the winter having impressed on more than one occasion during her juvenile campaign including a scintillating three-length winner of the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. Her final start of 2004 saw her lose her unbeaten record when third behind Magical Romance in the Cheveley Park Stakes.
Damson was expected to be the mount of retained rider Kieren Fallon but he could now switch to the Aidan O'Brien-trained Virginia Waters.
Ladbrokes now make Karen's Caper and Shanghai Lily the 4 to 1 joint favourites for the race.
1000 Guineas betting: Ladbrokes: 4-1 Karen's Caper, Shanghai Lily, 5-1 Cape Columbine, 7-1 Satin Kiss, 9-1 Maids Causeway, 12-1 Echelon, Virginia Waters, 14-1 Penkenna Princess.
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