Plans on hold for Verbal Dexterity

Verbal Dexterity will not be seen in competitive action any time soon after trainer Jim Bolger ruled him out of the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh later this month.

The Vocalised colt was a brilliant winner of the Group One National Stakes last season and Bolger blamed himself for a below-par run after he finished fourth behind Saxon Warrior in the Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster in October.

The Coolcullen handler was hoping to saddle his charge in the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket before he suffered a setback and he will not be lining up in the Irish equivalent on May 26 either.

“It will be a while before you see him,” said Bolger.

“He’s fine, but having missed the time he’s going to miss the Curragh as well, so after that there is no hurry.

“His big day is the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown (in September) and if there is a run in between, that will be fine.”