G1 Qipco 2000 Guineas winner Galileo Gold (GB) (Paco Boy {Ire}), who looks for a Classic double in Saturday's G1 Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas, was removed from the G1 Investec Derby at Friday's forfeit stage. There had been much speculation in recent weeks surrounding the Al Shaqab colourbearer's Derby participation. Trainer Hugo Palmer initially ruled him out after a gene test revealed a sprinter/miler profile, with racing advisor Harry Herbert later revealing the door was still open for the chestnut to participate in the blue riband. That door has now been closed, with the colt withdrawn from the June 4 Classic.
''Galileo Gold heads to the Irish 2000 Guineas at The Curragh [Saturday] and his mid-season target is his owner's own race, The Qatar Sussex S., at Goodwood on July 27,” Palmer wrote on his Betfair blog Friday. “With that in mind, and having been able to discuss the situation with Sheikh Joaan about the horse sticking to a mile, it seemed a good idea to remove the horse from the Derby at [Friday's] forfeit stage at midday so not to create a false impression.”
There are 22 remaining in the Investec Derby. Eight are from the stable of Aidan O'Brien, including the top three betting choices: The Gurkha (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), the winner of Sunday's G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains (7-2 favourite with Coral); unbeaten G3 Chester Vase winner U.S. Army Ranger (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) (4-1); and G2 Dante S.-second Deauville (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) (10-1).
Also removed from consideration for the blue riband Friday was Khalid Abdullah's Midterm (GB) (Galileo {Ire}). The Sir Michael Stoute charge was found to have a hamstring injury after finishing only fifth as the favourite in the G2 Dante S. May 12, but scans taken Friday revealed a stress fracture to the colt's pelvis.
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