Aussie ace an Ascot doubt

Exceed And Excel’s participation at Royal Ascot is in doubt as the crack Australian sprinter is receiving treatment for a blood abnormality.

The four-year-old, bought by Sheikh Mohammed in March, is being prepared for the Golden Jubilee Stakes on Saturday week at Geoff Wragg’s Newmarket stables.

But on Saturday the colt, trained by Sydney-based Tim Martin, failed to show his usual sparkle at exercise and a blood test taken on Monday revealed a problem.

Henry Plumptre racing manager for Darley, Australia, said: “The horse seems fine. He’s eating well and his temperature is normal. However, we are just not happy with his blood picture.

“His work on Saturday morning was slightly below what we’d expected and we ran a blood test on Monday. It revealed a slight abnormality. He is receiving treatment, but obviously he is under a cloud for next week.

“We are making every effort to make sure he runs on Saturday, June 19 in the Golden Jubilee Stakes.”

Exceed and Excel has yet to race for Sheikh Mohammed, having won a Group one contest over six furlongs at Flemington on his last start for his previous owners Nick Moriatis and Alan Osburg.

He is thought to be better than another Australian speedster Choisir, who recorded a famous double in the King’s Stand and Golden Jubilee Stakes at the Royal meeting last year before being purchased by Coolmore.