Abbey ruled out of Derby picture

St Nicholas Abbey, the long-term favourite for this weekend’s Epsom Derby, has been ruled out of the race with a muscle strain.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt had been installed as hot favourite for the Classic following his impressive victory in the Racing Post Trophy last October.

He remained the market leader despite managing no better than sixth in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket four weeks ago.

However, the vibes had not been good in recent days, when St Nicholas Abbey was pushed out to double-figure prices on the betting exchanges and bookmakers reported a major gamble on fellow Ballydoyle inmate Jan Vermeer.

And it has been confirmed on Tuesday morning that St Nicholas Abbey will not be in the field when the runners enter the starting stalls on Saturday afternoon.

O’Brien said: “St Nicholas Abbey was due to work first thing this morning, however when he came out of his box we noticed he was stiff behind.

“He had looked slightly stiff yesterday evening. His work on Friday last was a little lacklustre for him and that was the first time we had seen anything different, but he was fine afterwards. He was immediately examined and scanned by our vets this morning.

“They found a slight muscle injury high up in his hind quarter. This meant he could not work today and we were advised to give him an easy few days. Obviously this will preclude him from running in the Investec Derby on Saturday.

“We always thought St Nicholas Abbey could walk on water and it is very unfortunate for all concerned to have a setback like this so close to the big race.”

Jan Vermeer, who made an impressive seasonal debut in the Group 3 Gallinule Stakes at Leopardstown nine days ago, is now the 7/4 favourite for the race, with St Michael Stoute’s Workforce second best at 5/1.

Henry Cecil’s Bullet Train, an impressive winner of the Lingfield Derby Trial, is at 13/2 with two more O’Brien charges, Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial winner Midas Touch and Dante Stakes victor Cape Blanco, next best at 7/1 and 9/1 respectively.

Epsom Derby betting:

Jan Vermeer 7/4
Workforce 5/1
Bullet Train 13/2
Midas Touch 7/1
Cape Blanco 9/1
Rewilding 11/1
Azmeel 14/1
Coordinated Cut 20/1
Al Zir 33/1
Ted Spread 33/1
Buzzword 50/1
Hot Prospect 66/1
At First Sight 100/1
Bright Horizon 200/1

Odds from Paddy Power