The Commonwealth Cup has been blown wide open after market leaders Vandeek (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) and Bucanero Fuerte (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) were ruled out of Friday's Group 1 at Royal Ascot.
Bucanero Fuerte was reported to have suffered from travel sickness by his owners Amo Racing while Vandeek will miss the six-furlong contest due to a poor blood count.
A statement released by Simon and Ed Crisford on Monday morning read, “Unfortunately Vandeek will not be able to run in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot this Friday due to an abnormal blood count.”
It added, “He had been working very well in his preparation and this is very frustrating for everyone concerned but the most important thing now is for him to return to full health. All being well he will be fit and healthy in time for the July Cup in three weeks.”
Vandeek had been a general 3-1 chance for the Commonwealth Cup while fellow Group 1 scorer Bucanero Fuerte was available at 8-1. Their defections has seen Inisherin installed as the clear market leader at odds of 5-2 with Elite Status next best in the betting at 5-1.
Reporting the news that Adrian Murray's Bucanero Fuerte would miss the royal meeting, Amo Racing said, “Bucanero Fuerte will miss the Commonwealth Cup on Friday. After arriving in Ascot yesterday he was showing signs of travel sickness and was subsequently transferred to Newmarket Equine Hospital as a matter of caution where he has been monitored overnight.
“He spent a comfortable night there and remains well this morning but he will be forced to miss his intended engagement on Friday. We now look forward to his swift recovery and the rest of the season ahead.”
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