Exotic Dancer suffers setback

The news this morning that Exotic Dancer has pulled a muscle in his hind quarters and will not run in Saturday's Letherby and Christopher Chase now puts an entirely different complexion on that race. A more detailed examination of the horse is scheduled to take place on Friday when, presumably, we'll know whether his participation in the Gold Cup is under threat.

There are two reasonable looking cards at Doncaster and Newbury tomorrow. At Doncaster interesting runners include the well-touted Blue Bajan in the first while Olmeto Collonges and The Apprentice are declared for the finale. Last spring Henrietta Knight put up Olmeto Collonges as one to keep an eye on; this season generally his efforts have been disappointing. He's tried over hurdles here having fallen in a novice chase last time out; I'm not tempted. The Apprentice was all out to win at Plumpton just over five weeks ago and has a little to find.

Over at Newbury I'll be watching David Pipe's Quaddick Lake who returns following a break. This horse fell at the last on his penultimate run when looking all over the winner. Next time out he disappointed badly at Cheltenham's Open meeting in November, but he's clearly held in high regard. Big Buck's takes on four opponents in the 2.05, having been sent off a warm favourite last time only to be beaten by Moon Over Miami. BB didn't jump particularly well on that occasion and may need time. Here, Charlie Egerton's Kruguyrova is top rated by the Racing Post and would provide some value if BB were to be sent off favourite.