Oaks favourite Lah Ti Dar has been ruled out of Epsom after an unsatisfactory blood test.
In a major blow to the race, the John Gosden trained horse will now miss her intended target next Friday after meeting with a setback at home. The three-year-old burst on to the scene earlier this month when winning the Pretty Polly Stakes in stunning circumstances at Newmarket and had been a general 2/1 shot for classic glory.
An unsatisfactory blood test means the exciting daughter of Dubawi will be unable to work this weekend and plans are now being made for a run at Royal Ascot according to Gosden.
The Ribblesdale Stakes at the Royal meeting is now the target for one of the most exciting fillies in training this season, and connections will be hoping it is only a minor delay before her next start.
The betting for the Oaks has been shaken up as a result of Lah Ti Dar missing the contest with the Charlie Appleby trained Wild Illusion taking over as the ante-post market leader. The Godolphin trained filly was a Group 1 winner last term in France and returned in the 1000 Guineas to finish a staying on 4th on the Rowley Mile earlier this month.
Aidan O'Brien always has a strong hand in the Oaks and Magical, Forever Together and Magic Wand have all been slashed in the betting as a result of Lah Ti Dar meeting with a setback. The trio of Ballydoyle fillies have impressed during trials season and few would be surprised if O'Brien won the Oaks for a 7th time in his career.
