Coroebus misses Baaeed clash in Sussex Stakes following late setback

A late setback has ruled Godolphin's 2,000 Guineas winner Coroebus out of a clash with Baaeed in Wednesday's Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.

William Buick will ride Charlie Appleby-trained stablemate Modern Games after a final field of seven was confirmed for the Sussex.

Revealing the absence of Coroebus, Godolphin tweeted: "Unfortunately Coroebus will not run in this week's Sussex Stakes @Goodwood_Races. He was lame in his box this morning and after examination, was found to have an abscess in his left hind pastern. This is being treated and he will now target the G1 Prix Jacques le Marois."

Coroebus had been in line to make his first start against his elders in the Glorious meeting's day two highlight after following up his Guineas win with victory in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Appleby said: “It’s unfortunate as we were looking forward to being part of what should be the best race of the entire week.

“Coroebus’s prep had gone very well and we were very happy with him, but this has thrown us off course. I expect him to make a quick recovery, giving us time to get him ready for the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville on August 14."

His absence leaves unbeaten superstar Baaeed to face six rivals as he bids to extend his perfect record to nine. He has been made the 1-4 favourite by bet365 in the revised betting.

Last year's Sussex scorer Alcohol Free renews her rivalry with Baaeed, having finished behind him in this season's Lockinge and last year's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, as she moves back up to a mile after winning this month's July Cup.

Order Of Australia, third in the Lockinge before making all in the Minstrel Stakes ten days ago, is the sole Irish contender for Aidan O'Brien, who has won the race five times most recently with The Gurkha in 2016.

Despite missing out with Coroebus, Godolphin still have a Classic winner in the Sussex as Modern Games won the Poule d'Essai des Poulains in May.

The son of Dubawi has since suffered defeats in the Prix du Jockey Club and Prix Jean Prat and will make his first start in Britain since winning at Newmarket in September.

He finished his two-year-old campaign by winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf.

Japanese hope Bathrat Leon brings an international element to the race with the field completed by Chindit, who won the Summer Mile at Ascot last time, and Angel Bleu, the mount of Frankie Dettori.

Confirmed runners and riders for the Sussex Stakes

BaaeedJim Crowley
Bathrat LeonRyusei Sakai
ChinditPat Dobbs
Order Of AustraliaRyan Moore
Alcohol FreeRob Hornby
Angel BleuFrankie Dettori
Modern GamesWilliam Buick

The ground at Goodwood remained good, good to firm in places on Monday morning following a dry weekend.

There is the chance of a light shower on Monday afternoon, but the forecast for the five-day meeting starting on Tuesday looks dry with only an outside risk of light showers and temperatures rising at the end of the week.

Qatar Sussex Stakes
bet365: 1-4 Baaeed, 9 Order Of Australia, 10 Alcohol Free, 12 Modern Games, 33 Chindit, Bathrat Leon 40 Angel Bleu

Read these next:

Baaeed the star attraction as Goodwood and Galway festivals dominate action

'He has the perfect profile' – why these horses can win at Goodwood or Galway

Confirmed runners and riders for the Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup

Fantastic four: assessing the key contenders for a heavyweight Goodwood Cup

Glorious Goodwood 2022 guide: the key races, horses and how to watch

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.