Charlie Appleby uncertain when Quorto will be back in action

Quorto has suffered a soft-tissue injury in training in Dubai. Picture: Steven Cargill / Racingfotos.com

Charlie Appleby says more scans in the next fortnight will help determine when Quorto is likely to resume racing this year.

The exciting colt was unbeaten as a two-year-old and expected to make his mark on the QIPCO British Champions Series this year but has been ruled out of the QIPCO 2000 Guineas after suffering a setback.

Quorto has been wintering in Dubai, and Appleby reports the son of Dubawi to have sustained an injury which will keep him on the sidelines for an undetermined period.

Appleby told  godolphin.com: “Unfortunately Quorto has suffered a soft-tissue injury in training in Dubai which will mean he will have to miss the 2000 Guineas.

“It’s a real shame, because we had high hopes for him this year. We’ll know more when he’s scanned for a second time in a couple of weeks.

“It’s too early to say when he could be back in action. But we’ve been here before with these injuries, and we’ll see how he recovers.”

Qurto won each of his three starts last term, signing off with a tidy victory in the National Stakes at the Curragh.

Too Darn Hot is now a top-priced 5-4 for the 2000 Guineas.