Ante-post favourite Sign Of A Victory is set to miss The Ladbroke at Ascot on Saturday because of the rain-softened ground.
Trainer Nicky Henderson has reluctantly decided it is best to keep the exciting five-year-old at home following an ease in conditions at the Berkshire track.
The Seven Barrows trainer said: "Ascot had 12 millimetres of rain last night and into today and the ground has gone against us.
"It's the last race on the card and with more forecast I've decided to take him out. He's a far better horse on good ground."
The five-year-old impressed when winning on his seasonal debut over the same course and distance as the Ladbroke at the beginning of November.
In contrast, Dan Skelton has welcomed the recent precipitation in the Ascot area for Shelford, who defeated Aubusson to take the Silver Trophy at Chepstow in late October.
The hat-trick seeker has got into the £150,000 feature close to the base of the handicap, and come in for steady support in the last 24 hours. He will attempt to follow in the hoof prints of Skelton's Willow's Saviour in the same race 12 months ago.
Skelton, buoyant after the victory of Zarib in the opener at Newbury, said: "He worked well this morning and schooled beautifully yesterday."
Willie Mullins has confirmed David Casey rides Clondaw Warrior. The combination filled third place in last month's Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham behind the Philip Hobbs-trained Garde La Victoire, who has top-weight in Saturday's contest.
The final declaration stage for The Ladbroke is on Thursday morning.
