Derby star Masar out of Eclipse

Derby hero Masar was last night pulled out of today’s Coral-eclipse at Sandown due to a late setback.

Charlie Appleby’s charge was set to try to supplement his Epsom victory in the ten-furlong feature, but he was found to be sore following exercise.

The trainer said: “After exercise this morning, when he was cooling out, he had inflammation and soreness in his right off-fore.

“We felt this afternoon the soreness and the inflammation were still there.

“After speaking to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, his first concern was to make sure that we were doing what was right for the horse.

“He is under veterinary observation and until the inflammation comes down, we won’t be any wiser as to what extent of an injury we are dealing with.”

Appleby will still be represented by 2016 race winner Hawkbill, who will now be ridden by William Buick.

“He’s a previous winner of the race and he’s there genuinely on his merits,” said Appleby. “He’s in good order and if he’s on his A-game, I think he’ll test the three-year-olds, which is what it’s all about.”

Masar’s absence means the John Gosden-trained Roaring Lion looks likely to be sent off favourite.

He was third in the Derby and fifth in the 2,000 Guineas behind the reopposing Saxon Warrior. However, on his only start so far over a mile and a quarter he was an impressive winner of the Dante at York.

Gosden said: “I think the Guineas is the best form, so to that extent we’ve got it all to do, but we know a mile and a quarter on top of the ground suits us.”

Saxon Warrior for Aidan O’brien makes a swift reappearance after finishing third in Saturday’s Irish Derby.