Roger Varian’s Mill Reef winner Sakheer will miss the Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday following a dirty scope.

Runner-up on his Windsor debut before bolting up on his second start at Haydock, the Zoffany colt successfully stepped up to Group 2 level with a dominant display at Newbury last month.

Sakheer was all set to test the water in Group 1 company this weekend, having been supplemented for the Dewhurst earlier this week at a cost of £35,000, but he will not line up on the Rowley Mile.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Varian said: “Unfortunately Sakheer has scoped dirty this morning ahead of his intended run in the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

“This is of course very frustrating and disappointing, and I am very sorry for owners KHK Racing and everyone connected with the horse.

“He will be put away now for the season and we look forward to him returning as a three-year-old.”