Missing Masar will let Lion roar

GODOLPHIN were yesterday dealt a massive blow when hot favourite Masar was ruled out of today’s CoralEclipse at Sandown with an 11th-hour setback.

The Charlie Appleby-trained Derby winner was discovered to have an inflamed off-fore, meaning that ROARING LION (Sandown, 2.05) inherited favouritism with the sponsors for the prestigious high-summer feature.

Appleby said on Godolphin’s website: ‘Midway through the morning it became clear that Masar was sore. His off-fore was inflamed and we feel he must have knocked himself at exercise. I have discussed it with His Highness Sheik Mohammed, who agreed that he should miss the race. It is a blow but it is the right decision.’

The unfortunate withdrawal has robbed this afternoon’s Group One of its headline act, but it opens the door for either Roaring Lion or Saxon Warrior to enhance their reputations.

The decision by Ballydoyle to allow the latter to take his chance seems even more inspired given the news, but a tough examination in last weekend’s Irish Derby may have left a mark and I prefer the claims of Roaring Lion. John Gosden’s colt ran with great credit in the Derby to take third, a place in front of Saxon Warrior, but looked a good deal more effective in the Dante.