Fruits of Love is set to miss out on a trip to the Middle East to join the stars in the Dubai World Cup.
Trainer Mark Johnston revealed today that the five-year-old is unlikely to be fit enough to take part in the contest at Nad Al Sheba on March 25th.
Fruits of Love - winner of the Dubai Turf Classic on the World Cup card 12 months ago - has been off the track since finishing unplaced in the Japan Cup last November.
He was a late absentee from the Hong Kong Vase when it was discovered that he had sustained suspensory ligament damage.
"I would have to say that it's extremely doubtful that he'll be ready in time for Dubai," said Johnston.
"He hasn't been ridden since he came back from Hong Kong although he's progressing well and doing 55 laps a day in the swimming pool.
"But he's due for re-assessment next Wednesday and if by some chance we can start riding him by Friday then we might give it a go."
Johnston is optimistic that Fruits of Love will make a full recovery from his injury.
"You can never be 100 per cent sure about these things but suspensories do recover and it was only a minor injury," he said.
"If he can't go to Dubai then we'll give him a long break and bring him back for Royal Ascot."
In those circumstances the launch pad for Fruits of Love would be the Hardwicke Stakes, a race he won 12 months ago.
Other targets will include the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes and the Canadian International.
Even without Fruits of Love Johnston is still hopeful he will have a presence at the big Dubai meeting.
He is eyeing the UAE Derby for Paradise Garden while Gaelic Storm is a possible for the sprint race.
