Bruges is set to tackle the Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown later this month after being forced to miss the Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket this weekend.
The David Myerscough-trained juvenile had been an intended runner in the Group One contest but a training setback necessitated a rethink.
Myerscough said: “He just missed a bit of work at a crucial stage so he doesn’t run.
“He had been off the racecourse since the beginning of July with a stone bruise that just turned a bit nasty, so we brought him back and he just missed a bit of work. He’s fine now.”
Although Bruges sidesteps a trip to Headquarters, Myerscough is eyeing another run at Leopardstown on October 29 for his unbeaten colt.
He added: “We’ll have a look at the Killavullan at the end of the month for him now.”
Bruges is a 33-1 chance with the sponsors for the Stan James 2000 Guineas, while a general 25-1 shot for the Derby.