Divine Prophet new Caulfield Guineas favourite

Divine Prophet is the new Caulfield Guineas favourite in the absence of Golden Rose winner Astern.

Astern”s Guineas bid has been thwarted by an elevated temperature, forcing him to miss Saturday’s Prelude at Caulfield.

The Hawkes Racing-trained Divine Prophet, fourth in the Golden Rose, is now the $5 Caulfield Guineas 2016 favourite.

He is scheduled to run in Saturday’s Stan Fox Stakes at Rosehill.

New Zealand gelding Sacred Elixir, winner of the J J Atkins Stakes in Queensland last season, is on the second line at $6.50 and is due to make his return in Saturday’s Prelude at Caulfield.

Despite Astern’s withdrawal, Godolphin still has five horses among the 48 second acceptances for the Guineas with Golden Rose third Impending at $7 and Archives at $9.