Carlton suffers minor setback

Carlton House has suffered a minor setback in his preparation for Saturday's Investec Derby at Epsom - but is still expected to line up in the race.

The Queen's colt has been the hot favourite for the world's most famous Flat race ever since he turned in an impressive display in the Dante Stakes at York on May 12.

However he was taken for x-rays this morning after filling in his near-fore joint was spotted at evening stables on Monday night.

Her Majesty's racing manager, John Warren, explained: "Carlton House galloped on Sunday and did a nice six furlong blow, his last important blow before the Derby and on Monday he did a routine canter.

"At evening stables on Monday night Sir Michael noted that his front joints were not a pair and this morning he decided to take a precautionary x-ray of his near-fore joint which was the one that was marginally filled. It revealed no abnormalities which was a huge relief.

"He decided to give the horse just a trotting exercise this morning and he was sound and he's having an easy day. It will be a watching brief from now on.

"A small potential strain is the probability of what it was, just tweaked it a little, and hopefully he'll resume regular exercise for the rest of the week which will only involve cantering rather than anything faster.

"I would say at this point, from what I understand the injury to be, he has a pretty good chance of being there. The next few days will obviously reveal a little more but the trainer is optimistic and hopeful that the horse is still on target."

The news has sent the ante-post market into something of a frenzy, with the horse drifting with all bookmakers.

The favourite is now 7/4 from 11/8 with Sky Bet, while William Hill reacted to the news of the setback by easing his odds to 6-4 from 11-8.

Spokeswoman Kate Miller said: "It's a last-gasp setback for Carlton House but punters and connections have reacted in a fairly relaxed way and we've only eased his price fractionally. Whilst it remains a big concern, such is the strength of his challenge that we suspect he could manage a victory on three legs!"