MICHAEL Dods has confirmed that star filly Azure Blue will miss next Friday’s Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes at York due to a minor foot injury.

The County Durham trainer said the decision to sidestep the Group 1 sprint had been made earlier today in discussion with owners Peter Appleton and Anne Elliott.

The four-year-old filly had pulled a shoe in the paddock and was slightly footsore, so it was agreed that she shouldn’t run.

Dods said tonight: “It’s obviously disappointing but it was confirmation day for the race today and it was an easy decision in the end because the last thing you want to do is take any chances ahead of a Group One.

“We were hoping she would be OK to take her chance but that’s racing and there will be plenty more opportunities for her.”

The filly holds Group 1 entries in the Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes at Haydock on September 9, the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Flying Five Stakes at The Curragh on September 10, and the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot on October 21.