Covert Love and Pat Smullen© Photo Healy Racing
Covert Love will not make her seasonal reappearance in the upcoming Betfred Middleton Stakes at York after suffering a setback.
Hugo Palmer's filly enjoyed a spectacular season in 2015, kicking off the year with a maiden win at Chelmsford before going on to taste Group One glory in both the Irish Oaks at the Curragh and the Prix de l'Opera at Longchamp.
A trip to the Knavesmire on May 12 was under consideration for her comeback, but that plan has now been shelved.
"Covert Love will not be taking up the option of starting her campaign in the Middleton Stakes at York next month because she has had a slight setback," Palmer told Betfair.
"It is nothing serious - and it doesn't affect the longevity of her season, and certainly not her career - but she had some pus in her foot, and has missed five days of training.
"The problem had been rumbling on for about 10 days, but we have dealt with it now and I'd be confident of her starting back in work on Tuesday. It isn't an issue in the wider picture, but I thought it best to let everyone know.
"We could look to run her in the Tattersalls Gold Cup on May 22 at the Curragh, but that may come too soon, and the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot, or the Pretty Polly at the Curragh at the end of June, are likelier options perhaps.
"But she won't appear in any race where the word soft appears in the going description, as I've said before."
