Godolphin are set to forego the chance to land a fourth St Leger win in six years, it emerged today.
Melikah, the Dubai-based operation`s sole entry for the season`s final Classic, is reportedly to take her chance in the Prix Vermeille instead of heading to Doncaster a week next Saturday.
And Godolphin have no obvious replacement to supplement into the Rothmans Royals-sponsored race, which they have won with Classic Cliche, Nedawi and Mutafaweq since 1995.
'Melikah is probably doubtful for the St Leger and she may run in the Prix Vermeille at Longchamp,' Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford told the Racing Post.
Melikah had been quoted at 6-1 for the Leger by Ladbrokes, having been placed in the Vodafone Oaks and Kildangan Stud Irish Oaks on her last two starts.
But Godolphin`s founder Sheikh Mohammed still has 9-2 second favourite Savoire Vivre in the field for the Classic, which the leading owner has won with Oh So Sharp, Moonax and Shantou in the past.