Winker Watson set to miss Guineas

Winker Watson won on his three starts last year

The well-fancied Winker Watson is unlikely to run in next month's 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket after suffering a training setback.

The Peter Chapple-Hyam-trained colt was unbeaten as a two-year-old last year and was around a 10-1 chance for the first Classic of the year.

"We took Winker Watson for a canter yesterday and his rider wasn't happy with the horse," said Chapple-Hyam.

"We had him scanned and found that he had a problem behind."

The trainer told his website: "In view of that, it wouldn't be right for the horse if we pushed him and so it's highly unlikely that he will be running in the 2,000 Guineas.

"Instead, I hope that we will be able to head to the Irish 2,000 Guineas with him or Royal Ascot."

The favourite for the race is the Jim Bolger-trained New Approach.