Swinburn sounds Absinthe concern

Absinthe has suffered a “minor problem” ahead of his assault at the totesport.com Cambridgeshire.

Walter Swinburn’s hat-trick-seeking four-year-old has returned a dirty scope following a routine piece of work.

Swinburn is still optimistic the son of King’s Best will report for duty for the first leg of the autumn double at Newmarket on October 2, for which he is the sponsors’ 12-1 joint-favourite.

“It’s nothing major, but he scoped dirty after exercise and I felt it prudent to keep people in the picture,” said the Tring-based handler.

“The vets aren’t overly concerned and the alarm bells are not ringing just yet.

“We’re still on course for the Cambridgeshire, but obviously his next scope will be very important.”