SNOW SKY will not run in tomorrow’s Investec Derby at Epsom after failing to adequately recover from a minor setback.

The Sir Michael Stoutetrained colt emerged as a leading light for the Classic when winning the Lingfield Derby Trial but it emerged on Wednesday morning that he had banged a joint.

Stoute and Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manger for owner Khalid Abdullah, had been hopeful of Snow Sky recovering in time to run but have now confirmed he will miss the race and head to Royal Ascot instead.

A statement from Grimthorpe read: “Sir Michael Stoute reported that the colt was not quite 100per cent this morning so will not be declared for the Investec Derby. He could now go to the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot.”

Aidan O’Brien’s regallybred colt Australia heads a total of 16 runners.

By a Derby winner in Galileo, out of a multiple Group One winner and Oaks heroine in Ouija Board, Australia is certainly bred for the job and he has dominated the market since finishing third in the 2000 Guineas.

As usual, O’Brien saddles multiple runners with Geoffrey Chaucer, unlucky when third in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial, Chester Vase winner Orchestra and Dee Stakes hero Kingfisher making up his team.