Moonlight Cloud, who ran Black Caviar to a head in the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot, has been ruled out of the July Cup by trainer Freddy Head.
The French filly was the second favourite for the July Cup at Newmarket on Saturday week which will also feature Australian mare Ortensia.
Head told the Racing Post Moonlight Cloud would be saved for next month’s Prix Maurice de Gheest instead.
“Without doubt she won’t run in the July Cup. We’re keeping her for the Prix Maurice de Gheest,” Head said.
Moonlight Cloud, who won the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville last year when she beat Society Rock, was a 6-1 chance with Coral and Ladbrokes for the July Cup and as low as 4-1 with Bet365 and BetVictor.
Bated Breath, second to Hong Kong Sprinter Little Bridge in the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot, is the 3-1 favourite with Ortensia and former Australian juvenile champion Sepoy both at 14-1.