Sakheer out of the Dewhurst after unsatisfactory scope test

Roger Varian’s Mill Reef winner Sakheer will miss the Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday following a dirty scope.

Runner-up on his Windsor debut before bolting up on his second start at Haydock, the Zoffany colt successfully stepped up to Group Two level with a dominant display at Newbury last month.

Sakheer was all set to test the water in Group One company this weekend, having been supplemented for the Dewhurst earlier this week at a cost of £35,000, but he will not line up on the Rowley Mile.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Varian said: “Unfortunately Sakheer has scoped dirty this morning ahead of his intended run in the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

“This is of course very frustrating and disappointing, and I am very sorry for owners KHK Racing and everyone connected with the horse.

“He will be put away now for the season and we look forward to him returning as a three-year-old.”

Despite Sakheer’s enforced absence, a high-class renewal of the Dewhurst is in prospect, with seven smart colts declared for the weekend feature – including the Juddmonte-owned pair of Chaldean (Ralph Beckett/Frankie Dettori) and Nostrum (Sir Michael Stoute/Richard Kingscote).

Chaldean was last seen winning the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster, while Nostrum was equally impressive when taking his record to two from two in the Tattersalls Stakes over this course and distance.

Aesop’s Fables represents Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore, with the unbeaten Naval Power running for Charlie Appleby and William Buick. Another with an unblemished record is Brian Meehan’s Isaac Shelby, who will be ridden by Sean Levey.

Vintage Stakes winner Marbaan (Charlie Fellowes/Jamie Spencer) bids to bounce back from defeat in the National Stakes, with Richmond Stakes victor Royal Scotsman (Paul and Oliver Cole/Jim Crowley) also on a recovery mission after his reverse in the Gimcrack.