Leading Commonwealth Cup contenders Vandeek and Bucanero Fuerte have both been ruled out of Friday’s feature at Royal Ascot.
A sparkling unbeaten juvenile campaign which included Group 1 victories in the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes saw Vandeek head the ante-post betting for the Commonwealth Cup, a position he still remained at the top of despite suffering his first defeat in the Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock last month.
However, Vandeek a general 7/2 favourite in the Commonwealth Cup betting, will now miss Friday's assignment at the royal meeting after joint-trainer Simon Crisford revealed an abnormal blood count was detected.
A statement released by the Crisfords on X said: "Unfortunately Vandeek will not be able to run in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot this Friday due to an abnormal blood count.
"He had been working very well in his preparation and this is very frustrating for everyone concerned, but the most important thing for him now is to return to full health.
"All being well he will be fit and healthy in time for the July Cup in three weeks."
The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained stable star will not be the only absentee from Friday's six-furlong three-year-old Group 1, with connections AMO Racing confirming Bucanero Fuerte has been moved to Newmarket Equine Hospital after suffering travel sickness.
Adrian Murray's colt was as short as 7/1 to claim a second top-level success following victory in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh last season. The son of Wootton Bassett made a winning reappearance in the Group 3 Lacken Stakes at Naas last month and had been set to lead a large team of horses for powerhouse owners AMO Racing.
A statement on X from AMO Racing read: "Unfortunately 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."
