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Most Improved is still lame and will therefore miss the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on Saturday week.

Brian Meehan's charge had been a leading fancy for the first Classic of the season over the Rowley Mile and was due to make his seasonal debut in the Craven Stakes over the course and distance last Thursday, but last year's Dewhurst third was withdrawn on the morning of the race.

"Most Improved continues to undergo tests to diagnose the lameness reported on Thursday morning," the Manton trainer told www.brianmeehan.co.uk.

"The preliminary report from the vets has advised that he will not be ready for the Qipco 2000 Guineas on Saturday 5th May and he will be taken out of the race this morning.

"This is extremely disappointing for his owner and all of the team at the yard."

Most Improved was third favourite for the 2000 Guineas but with the vibes around Camelot being more positive in recent days, his withdrawal has not affected the market.

"Most Improved was the 6-1 third favourite but the news of his non-participation in the first Classic of the season has had no bearing on our market for the race whatsoever," said Joe Burke of Stan James.

"There has been plenty of support for Camelot over the past few days and he remains a strong 5-4 favourite, having been 5-2 only last Thursday. The whole race revolves around Camelot at the moment."