Akeed Mofeed: Epsom no longer on the Classic agenda for colt
PICTURE: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)Akeed Mofeed to miss Derby for Irish Classics
AKEED MOFEED, a leading fancy for the Investec Derby at Epsom on June 2 will miss the race and instead remain at home to be aimed at two Classics.
The John Oxx-trained colt had missed his early season target and his trainer was forced to rule him out of Sunday's Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown after he suffered a strained hock.
He will instead be aimed at the Irish 2,00 Guineas in two weeks time with the Irish Derby at the Curragh his target after that.
Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Jaber Abdullah, said: "A hock problem appeared after he worked on Tuesday that required medication, which meant he couldn't run on Sunday and he's been withdrawn from the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial.
"We think he's a pretty good horse and he has been a worthy second-favourite for the Derby all along, but John has said that he doesn't want to take him to Epsom without a run so his targets now are the Irish 2,000 Guineas and Derby.
"This injury is not a major thing, but just held him up enough not to run this weekend."
Only Camelot, brilliant winner of the 2,000 Guineas, had spent the winter at a shorter price for the Derby than Akeed Mofeed, although he had lost his place as second-favourite for the Classic to Pricewise pick Bonfire in the last few days.
Bonfire himself was forced to miss Friday's Group 3 Stobart Barristers Dee Stakes at Chester due to unsuitable ground.
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