Advertise raring to go and an 'extraordinary' price for 2,000 Guineas - Meade

Martyn Meade believes Dewhurst runner-up Advertise is overpriced for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas, in which he will have the assistance of Frankie Dettori in the saddle.

As Greenham winner Mohaather became the latest leading contender to drop out of contention for the first Classic of the season, Meade highlighted the smooth preparation of his hope, a best-priced 12-1 to give the trainer his first Classic victory.

Second to Calyx in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, the Phoenix Thoroughbred-owned son of Showcasing won the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes before finishing second to Too Darn Hot at Newmarket.

"He's a Group 1 winner and he's been beaten only twice under difficult circumstances," Meade said.

"When he was beaten in the Coventry he was on the far side and he didn't realise Calyx was on the other side, and in the Dewhurst he got caught a bit flat-footed when he went into the Dip. He's got every right to be there.

"We're raring to go, we haven't had any hold ups and his preparation has gone very smoothly. His price is extraordinary but I suppose people will get a bit of value – he's had a racecourse gallop and I couldn't be more pleased with him."

Oisin Murphy aboard Advertise in a racecourse gallop at NewmarketCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Mohaather was found to be lame after exercise on Friday and was declared a non-runner on Sunday morning.

"He will not be confirmed for the 2,000 Guineas," said Marcus Tregoning, who trains the colt for Hamdan Al Maktoum.

"He's had a setback and he'll have to wait possibly until the autumn now. These things happen, but it's very disappointing because everything was pointing towards Newmarket and he was looking like a live contender.

Mohaather (left) wins the Greenham Stakes at Newbury under Jim CrowleyCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

"He's got a severe bone bruise on his off-fore. Years ago we'd give a horse two or three weeks off until he was sound and then he'd train on. But these days we have MRI scans and they reveal a lot more.

"These things can be precursors to fractures – if you train and medicate there is more danger of upsetting the apple cart for a long period of time, whereas if you rest them now you've got a far better chance of getting them back. It's the wise decision and certainly I wouldn't ever race a horse who I wasn't 100 per cent happy with."

Longtime ante-post favourite Too Darn Hot, Calyx, Quorto and Persian King are among other leading Guineas hopes to have been ruled out of the race in recent weeks.

Qipco 2,000 Guineas card and betting

Too Darn Hot and Quorto both suffered setbacks and Tregoning believes the weather has made Classic preparations tough this year.

"People have struggled with the spring because, especially in Newmarket, it's been incredibly dry and the grass hasn't grown," he said. "People haven't been able to do what they want to do with the horses and there have been a lot of injuries this year."

But the trainer is full of hope Mohaather, a dual Group 3 winner who has been beaten only once in four starts, will be able to make his mark in the second half of the season.

Mohaather scores his first Group 3 win in the Horris Hill Stakes at NewburyCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

"You have to be very positive about that," he said. "We know he's very useful and that's all the more reason why we should take this course of action. We should look after his best interests and the owner's best interests and not take undue risk."

In Mohaather's absence, Sheikh Hamdan's Madhmoon was cut to 6-1 (from 8) by Coral. Ten Sovereigns remains their 100-30 favourite, ahead of Ballydoyle stablemate Magna Grecia at 7-2.

The ground is good to firm at Newmarket after 12mm of water was applied on Sunday.

The forecast is largely dry through to Tuesday, with light showers forecast for Wednesday and Thursday.

Clerk of the course Michael Prosser said: “I’m really pleased with the condition of the course. The track we will be using has not been raced on this spring."

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app