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RAMONTI'S absence from Wednesday's BGC Sussex Stakes leaves dual 2,000 Guineas hero Henrythenavigator attempting to become the shortest-priced winner of the Group 1 in nearly 50 years.
With 11 possibles remaining at the six-day stage, Ladbrokes make Ballydoyle's three-time Group 1 winner 1-2, with Blue Square offering 4-7, after Godolphin announced last year's winner Ramonti would not attempt successive wins due to the recurrence of a leg infection.
If emulating Rock Of Gibraltar's 2,000 Guineas, St James's Palace and Sussex Stakes hat-trick in 2002 at shorter than 1-2, Henrythenavigator would be the shortest-priced winner of Wednesday's Group 1 since Petite Etoile's victory at 1-10 in 1959. Bolkonski was 1-2 when winning in 1975.
However, John Gosden is hoping that Raven's Pass, Blue Square's 7-2 second favourite, can go one better after finishing within three-quarters of a length of Henrythenavigator in the St James's Palace Stakes at Ascot, and again runner-up to Tamayuz in the Prix Jean Prat last time.
“Raven's Pass was confirmed in the race and is an intended runner at this stage,?the trainer said. “We will take a look at the shape of the field, but I would be hopeful of another good run.
“The race wasn't quite run to suit at Chantilly, but there were no excuses in the St James's Palace Stakes; that's as good as he was at Ascot.
“The ground shouldn't be an issue ?good, good to firm, good to soft, they all suit him.?
Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said the infection that kept Ramonti off the track earlier this season had returned, causing plans for the six-year-old to be shelved.
In his only start this season, the five-time Group 1 winner finished fifth to Archipenko at Ascot this month.
“Unfortunately, the hind-leg infection that kept Ramonti off the track earlier in the year has recurred and he will have to miss his intended engagement next week,?said Crisford. “All future plans are on hold as we do not know how long this situation will take to resolve.?
Superlative Stakes winner Firth Of Fifth featured among 20 possibles for the Group 2 Veuve Cliquot Stakes on the same card, including five entries from the Ballydoyle stable.
The going at the Sussex track yesterday remained unchanged after a very warm day.
Clerk of the course Seamus Buckley said: “There may be light showers around on Friday and Saturday but not a lot of rain.
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