Tests have revealed that Sagitta 1000 Guineas favourite Petrushka was not in season when only third on Sunday but connections are no nearer to knowing the cause of her below-par showing.
Connections had put that forward as a possible explanation for her run, in which she was uncharacteristically off the bridle throughout the race, before staying on to grab minor honours.
But Harry Herbert, manager of owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, confirmed this afternoon: "All we know is that it would appear she was not in season.
"There is no real explanation and I'm not sure that anything will come to light now.
"But she will now definitely go for the Oaks and she will be monitored closely all the way.
"I just hope she can prove that she is as special as everyone who saw her win the Nell Gwyn thought she was.
"Kieren (Fallon) was absolutely certain that wasn't her true form on Sunday. She has a great temperament normally and that just wasn't her."
