Telescope out of Dante Leading Investec Derby contender Telescope will not run in the Betfred Dante Stakes at York on Thursday having suffered a minor infection in two small grazes. Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, the Galileo colt went into winter quarters as a leading fancy for Classic honours on the back of a maiden win at Newmarket in September. His only other start as a juvenile came when a promising second to Snow King on debut at Ascot earlier that month. However, he was not among the eight runners declared at the 48-hour stage for the Knavesmire feature after picking up a minor infection which has developed in grazes on two of his legs, picked up when he was being loaded onto a horsebox. Harry Herbert, racing manager to owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, said: "It's obviously very disappointing, particularly for all of his owners, that Telescope cannot run in the Dante on Thursday. "Sir Michael couldn't give him anti-inflammatories as it was too close to the Dante and unfortunately we have discovered through a blood test that the grazes have become infected. We are hoping that he will still make it to the Investec Derby and Sir Michael is hoping to give him a racecourse gallop in preparation. " Telescope's syndicate of owners include retiring Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Another of Highclere's syndicates will be represented in the Dante by Greatwood, who was a late withdrawal from Saturday's Lingfield Derby Trial because of the rain-softened ground. Aidan O'Brien's Indian Chief is disputing favouritism in the ante-post market for the Group 2 race.
