2,000 Guineas runner-up Master Of The Seas ruled out of Royal Ascot with injury

Master Of The Seas: finished second in this month's Qipco 2,000 Guineas

Guineas runner-up Master Of The Seas will miss Royal Ascot after suffering a setback, Godolphin confirmed on Monday.

The Charlie Appleby-trained three-year-old, who finished a short head behind Poetic Flare in the 2,000 Guineas this month, will be on the easy list for up to four weeks after being found to be lame. 

"Unfortunately after exercise this morning Master Of The Seas was found to be lame," said Appleby. "After examination it was revealed he had wrenched a joint and we've been advised to give him two to four weeks on the easy list. That rules him out of Royal Ascot but hopefully we can get him back in time for Goodwood in July."

Master Of The Seas was the general 4-1 second-favourite for the St James's Palace Stakes on June 15 behind St Mark's Basilica, who has shortened to 9-4 (from 7-2) with Paddy Power. He impressed when  landing the Poule d'Essai des Poulains at Longchamp on Sunday.

The first four in the market with Paddy Power are trained in Ireland. Poetic Flare remained unchanged at 9-2 ahead of Lucky Vega, who has shortened to 5-1 (from 7), and Battleground, available at 6-1. Chindit, who was cut to 8-1 (from 9), is the leading British hope. 

"Godolphin's misfortune has meant the strong Irish challenge has only been enhanced, particularly for St Mark's Basilica following his devastating victory in the France," said Paddy Power's Paul Binfield. "Chindit could be the best chance of keeping the trophy in Britain."

Master Of The Seas holds a number of entries, including in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on June 26 and the Coral-Eclipse on July 3.

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